Hydrogen SUVs

The sport utility vehicle has become quite the symbol of middle-class America. Beginning with the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Explorer, SUVs have become a big part of the American car industry. With gas prices hitting peaks, however, consumers have become concerned about the cost of such extravagant vehicles, which have very poor gas mileage. One possible solution to this problem is the hydrogen SUV.

Still at an experimental stage, the hydrogen SUV is a reality. Hyundai has released a series of SUVs designed to work from fuel cells that are hydrogen-powered, and the hydrogen Hummer is one of the most popular examples of this type of vehicle. In this year's State of the Union address, George W. Bush, too, spoke of the need for an alternative to gasoline as a source of fuel. One of the possibilities that the administration has given would be hydrogen SUVs.

Hydrogen SUVs would run either using fuel cells or use compressed hydrogen in internal combustion engines. With either method, this would mean a change in gas stations as well. At least in the beginning, filling stations would have both gasoline and hydrogen fuel available. The idea is that the hydrogen vehicles eventually would replace the older, less efficient gasoline-powered engines.

These hydrogen-powered SUVs would have a few differences from gas-powered models. The biggest concern is acceleration and power. Car manufacturers and researchers are working on the acceleration side of the equation, and there likely will be changes in the design of the SUV, such as the use of lighter metals, that would allow for easier movement. There will be a dip in power, but most consumers do not need all of the power that an SUV provides.

On the plus side, hydrogen SUVs could potentially have better gas mileage than their gas-guzzling counterparts. People would be able to drive them the same distance if not farther without filling up, which would be a definite bonus. Although the initial price tag may be higher, consumers would save money in the long-run with the lower cost of fueling the SUV. The environment also would benefit because of the decreased amount of gasoline being used for cars. The economy, too, would reap the rewards of moving to hydrogen-powered cars. Many consumers would purchase new vehicles to keep up with the trend, and the United States would reduce its dependence on foreign supplies of oil.

The benefits of moving to hydrogen, or any alternative fuel source, far outweigh the few disadvantages of doing so.