The two have formed a partnership with Ballard to develop fuel cells. Three hundred thousand in 2010 is possible. That may be beyond 2010. But first, the cost of other power train components associated with fuel cells must be reduced. For example, hydrogen fuel storage systems cost more than gasoline tanks.
Electric motors cost more than the transmissions that accompany internal-combustion engines.
Once the oil and auto industries reach some kind of agreement on what fuel to use, a whole new fuel station infrastructure might be needed. As an interim solution, fuel cells can be powered by more readily available fuels, such as methanol, that produce air pollution. 2001 Knight Ridder Inc. and may not be republished without permission.