Hydrogen or Gasoline? Debate to `Fuels' Agenda at SAE World Congress

26 December 2000

    WARRENDALE, Pa. - The ability to purchase a fuel cell vehicle is just 
around the corner, however one big question remains:
"what fuel should power these low-emission vehicles?"

    The controversial topic will be debated during a daylong session, "Fuel
Cell Power for Transportation," at the SAE World Congress, Monday, March 5,
Room W1-54, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA.

    "The question of fuel choice for fuel cell vehicles remains an open one,"
says Paul J. Berlowitz, ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Co. and SAE
panelist.  "The major practical barrier to widespread introduction of fuel
cell vehicles is the need to provide hydrogen to the fuel cell.  Development
of onboard hydrogen storage may be practical in the future, but will require a
large R&D effort.  At this time, a practical solution for hydrogen storage is
not available."

    According to Berlowitz, numerous factors such as safety and health
concerns, infrastructure cost and public acceptance must be considered before
a fuel is selected.

    "While hydrogen may be a long-term fuel source for fuel cell vehicles,
current work in fuel processing of "gasoline" fuels could produce a practical
vehicle in the next several years.  We are currently actively involved with
OEM partners in developing gasoline-based fuel cell fuel processors and
determining the fuel requirements for these processors."

    The first fuel cell was built in 1839, but serious interest in the
technology as a generator did not happen until the 1960s when the U.S. space
program chose fuel cells over risky nuclear power and more expensive solar
energy.

    A fuel cell produces electricity by combining oxygen and hydrogen in an
electrochemical reaction with only pure water as a product.  Multiple cells
are "stacked" together to provide a high voltage power source to an electric
motor to power the vehicle.  The stack continues to produce power as long as
fuel is provided and does not produce any emissions.

    Panelists for the 11 a.m. discussion, moderated by Richard Stobart of
Cambridge Consultants, Ltd., include Berlowitz, Gary J. Acres, Johnson Matthey
PLC and Peter Histon, BP International.  During the daylong technical session,
more than a dozen international experts will address different fuel types and
fuel processing.  The panelists will discuss the wider aspects of fuel choice,
and the demand placed on research and development.

    The SAE World Congress, the world's largest showcase of automotive
engineering technologies, attracts attendees from more than 50 countries.