Audi highlights challenges facing hydrogen fuel cells

April 23, 2015 0 By Stephen Vagus

Audi believes that investments and infrastructure are significant challenges for the fuel cell sector

German automaker Audi believes that investments and infrastructure are the two main challenges that are facing fuel cell vehicles. The company has expressed interest in these vehicles, going so far as to develop its own vehicles equipped with hydrogen fuel cells. These cars tend to be expensive due to the fact that they use fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells are made using a significant amount of platinum, which is one of the most expensive materials in the world.

Without investments, fuel cells may struggle to find traction

According to Emmanuel Kutsehera, who is responsible for fuel cell development at Audi, investments could make the difference between success and failure in the fuel cell world. Without financial support fuel cell vehicles are not likely to gain enough traction to effectively engage consumers. Fuel cell costs are also expected to rise with a lack of investments, making them a less attractive option for those within the auto industry. Investments are also directly tied to the development of a hydrogen fuel infrastructure.

Investors help grow the world’s hydrogen fuel infrastructure

audi logo - hydrogen fuel challengesWithout investors, the hydrogen fuel infrastructure needed to support fuel cell vehicles is unlikely to take form. Hydrogen fuel stations are somewhat expensive to build, and giving existing fuel stations the ability to supply hydrogen is also a costly venture. Investors can help reduce the financial strain associated with infrastructure projects, which can accelerate the formation of a hydrogen network and help make fuel cell vehicles more attractive to those interested in clean transportation.

High cost of fuel cell technology is also a problem area

The high cost of developing a fuel cell vehicle is also a challenge for automakers. Because fuel cells are expensive to produce, automakers are forced to price their fuel cell vehicles higher than conventional models in order to recover costs. Unfortunately, this can make fuel cell vehicles somewhat unattractive to consumers that are conscious of their finances. Lowering the cost of fuel cell vehicles is becoming an important priority for the auto industry.

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