The hydrogen car, a vehicle powered by the most abundant element in the world, is cruising its way to Cal State Long Beach.
Conservation Commissioner Alben Phung and Assistant Conservation Commissioner Fernando Dehonors came up with the idea to bring the hydrogen car to campus for the Green Technology Expo this spring. Dehonor said they were trying to think of something that would be new and different for the students at the university.
“Being a proponent of hydrogen fuel, I believe this will be a great time to show people what technologies are in existence that can help save our future from the problems of fossil fuels,” Dehonor said.
The hydrogen car fuses oxygen and hydrogen together to create electricity, according to Phung. He said one of the most interesting aspects of the car is that emissions make up the simple byproduct of hydrogen and oxygen – purified water.
The hydrogen car will be on campus on April 29 as part of a Green Technology Expo in the University Student Union. The car will be parked outside the USU, near the pathway where Smorgasport is held annually.
Phung said the conservation commissioners are trying to feature a variety of new, different technologies in hopes that students can learn something new and possibly be inspired by the creativity.
“There is always some new innovative technology out there, but it proves to be useless unless people know about it and also know how to use it, which is why we’re hosting the expo,” Phung said.
Dehonor and Phung said they think students will be interested in seeing the car.
“Most people don’t even know that the hydrogen car exists,” Dehonor said. “People are still understanding and accepting the hybrid car, but I think once people understand the hydrogen car, they will be more willing to adopt it.”
Most hydrogen cars are not yet available for sale; however, the going rate would be $300,000 if they were for sale, according to Phung.
For California residents, there is one hydrogen car available for lease, the Honda FCX at $600 per month. Fueling stations, however, are few and far between, with only six of the state’s 26 fueling stations open to the public, according to the CNET website.
