ELECTRIC CARS COME OF AGE

Somebody drove an electric car across the country about 100 years ago, too, but not much has happened since then. There's a lot of talk about new technology every few years, but it never materializes into actual cars.

Still, it ran on hydrogen. And hydrogen is a lot more dangerous than gasoline.

Point of information! Gasoline is much more hazardous than gaseous or liquid hydrogen.

First off, hydrogen vapor is lighter than air, unlike gasoline vapor. This means that in a spill situation, the vapors will waft away on the breeze, rather than pooling in low spots and increasing in concentration.

Secondly, the LEL for H₂ is 4% in air, unlike gasoline vapor which can ignite at as low a concentration as 1%.

Thirdly, hydrogen flames are not as radiant, meaning that unless one is nearly in the flame, burns are not likely. Gasoline fires, as we all know, are very radiant and the heat can be felt for great distances.

First off, hydrogen vapor is lighter than air, unlike gasoline vapor. This means that in a spill situation, the vapors will waft away on the breeze, rather than pooling in low spots and increasing in concentration.

Gasoline vapor may waft on the winds but the hydrogen is stored in a pressurized tank. It will jet out under extreme force at the slightest rupture and may even explode if cracked (the likelihood of which, of course, may be exacerbated by hydrogen embrittlement).

Secondly, the LEL for H2 is 4% in air, unlike gasoline vapor which can ignite at as low a concentration as 1%.

Except the (now ruptured) fuel cell is operating at 1400 degrees C and that hydrogen is going to burn, man! And so are you if it breaks open into your car.

Thirdly, hydrogen flames are not as radiant, meaning that unless one is nearly in the flame, burns are not likely. Gasoline fires, as we all know, are very radiant and the heat can be felt for great distances.

True. But if you are struck in a burning vehicle, with flaming jets of pressurized hydrogen, next to a 1400 degree slab of what used to be a fuel cell, is the low radiant energy output of the flame really going to matter?

Would you care to re-examine your conclusion, sir?

Good and informative post.