Energy Security Trust: Researcher Says Fuel Cell Cars Just a Few Years Away

Paul Mutolo is a fuel cell chemist and director of external partnerships for the Energy Materials Center at Cornell University. He comments on the state of fuel cell technology in light of President Obama’s expected announcement of plans for a $2 billion Energy Security Trust, part of which will set aside research and development funding for fuel cell electric vehicles.

Mutolo says:

“Yes, it's a big surprise to most people, and often a frustrating thing to me. Even some university researchers working in this field don't know just how soon fuel-cell electric vehicles will be out on the roads.

“We are about six years away, give or take one or two. The question now is not really when, but where. The regions that have plans and are acting on them to build hydrogen refueling stations are going to win the attention of the car makers. That's where we will see the vehicles introduced.

“It's like a party waiting for a host. All we need do is make up our minds to set the table and write the invitations."

Additional researchers available:

Héctor Abruña and Frank DiSalvo, both professors of chemistry and chemical biology at Cornell University, are available to explain the design challenges – and the inherent limitations – of chemical battery technology.

Jefferson W. Tester is a professor of sustainable energy systems, director of the Cornell Energy Institute, associate director of Cornell University’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future and one of the world’s leading experts on geothermal energy development.

Robert Frank, economist, best-selling author of “The Darwin Economy: Liberty, Competition, and the Common Good,” and professor of economics and management at Cornell University, is one of the world’s leading experts on energy taxation and policy.

Arthur Wheaton, automotive expert and industry specialist at Cornell University’s ILR School, can discuss the potential impact of fuel-cell technology on the auto industry.

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