You think they will ever catch on? I mean like revolutionize the industry? I am thinking about investing in Fuel Cell Research companies

 

they will have to "catch on" its just a matter of time.

 

don't expect a return on your money... probably in your lifetime. unless something drastic happens. even then it will take decades.

 

Yes, eventually hydrogen fuel cells will be in popular use, but its going to be awhile. I wouldn't put any money into any company other than Ballard Power Systems, up in Canada, and I wouldn't use any money that I couldn't afford to light on fire.

The barrier between widespread use and us is net energy gain. That is, if a hydrogen fuel cell uses more energy than it yields, its worthless. You have to include all the steps of the process, including getting the hydrogen. Right now many processes involve pulling it out of gasoline and ethanol, but making those two chemicals takes a fair amount of energy as well.

 

NTT Develops Mobile-Phone Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Company plans availability in third-generation phones in three years.
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,119816,00.asp

 

I would think, that the current polymer based battery technology will surely surpass anything that fuel cell technology will offer in 2 years.

Also it's my understanding that the polymer based batteries are and will be lighter.

 

That is the company i want to invest in. I didnt like the previous CEO but now i think its about time to invest in it. some say Fuel cell will really take off in the next decade. but yeah it's money i can afford to lose/put away for a long time

 

Besides the wells-to-wheels analysis, there's also issues with things like durability, harsh environments, maintenance, just practical issues that still need to be ironed out.

 

Hybrids are still developing and more models are being offered all the time. I'd put my coin in technologies that support that tech. for now (maybe even clean burning diesels) Hydrogen is still a long way from a reality, if it ever will be. Just because a technology is superior does not mean it will be the tech. of choice. There are mfg. and material cost factors, and the willingness of large corps. to take the lead and develop the tech. into a useable product at a reasonable price point. I think the oil companies have only allowed the hybrid tech. to evolve so much without interferance, due to the continuing dependance on oil those cars have. Yes, they get better mileage but I've yet to see an oil comp. having trouble selling everything they have. IMHO, it will take a lot to get cars in the dealership that burn no fossil fuel.

 

Sure, just not now.

Imagine the things terrorists would do....