By WAYNE GRUBER, Naples
In a recent letter, Mike Gideon promoted the fuel savings generated by installing a hydrogen fuel cell to the motor of an automobile or truck.
High fuel prices in America strike everyone and an increase in miles per gallon seems to be very important. But, what price must be paid to gain that increase, and is that price worth the “savings”?
The decision to install any device on a motor vehicle, such as a hydrogen fuel cell, to increase mileage per gallon of fuel is clearly a personal matter.
The following information is meant only to illustrate the cost-effectiveness of adding such a device, the hydrogen fuel cell in this case, to a car or truck.
I talked at length on the telephone with Mr. Gideon, a representative of a local firm that installs hydrogen fuel cells. He quoted the ballpark figure of $1,500 to install the system, with a possible gas mileage increase of up 40 percent or more. He noted, however, that results were not guaranteed.
Since fuel-cost savings are the concern, the unknown is the length of time required for the vehicle owner to recoup the installation charge of $1,500. In other words, are the fuel savings really worth the installation charge for the increase in fuel economy now and in the near future?
The results shown below were determined by using a vehicle currently averaging 16 mpg, obtaining a 40 percent mileage increase because of the hydrogen fuel cell installation, being driven for various miles from 6,000 to 20,000 per year and with fuel costing $3.50, $4 and $4.50 per gallon.
At the fuel cost of $3.50 per gallon, the length of time to recoup the installation charge ranges from 51 months for 6,000 miles per year driven to 15 months for 20,000 miles per year driven.
At the fuel cost of $4 per gallon, the length of time ranges from 44 months for 6,000 miles to 13 months for 20,000 miles per year driven.
At the fuel cost of $4.50 per gallon, the time ranges from 39 months for 6,000 miles to 12 months for 20,000 months per year driven.
The higher the fuel cost and/or the more miles driven per year tend to favor the installation of the hydrogen fuel cell, based on the assumption of the 40 percent increase in fuel economy. However, the higher the current average miles per gallon for the vehicle tends to have the reverse effect. The length of time the vehicle is to remain with the current owner also affects the decision.
All in all, if the cost of installation is not recovered in a period of 12 to 15 months, or less, and the vehicle does not remain with the current owner for at least two additional years, one might question the true “savings.” Also, is it possible for the device to be removed from the current vehicle without damage and re-installed on a replacement vehicle with just a labor charge? Warranties of the vehicle come into serious consideration, also.
High fuel prices in America strike everyone and an increase in miles per gallon seems to be very important. But, what price must be paid to gain that increase, and is that price worth the “savings”?
The decision to install any device on a motor vehicle, such as a hydrogen fuel cell, to increase mileage per gallon of fuel is clearly a personal matter.
The following information is meant only to illustrate the cost-effectiveness of adding such a device, the hydrogen fuel cell in this case, to a car or truck.
I talked at length on the telephone with Mr. Gideon, a representative of a local firm that installs hydrogen fuel cells. He quoted the ballpark figure of $1,500 to install the system, with a possible gas mileage increase of up 40 percent or more. He noted, however, that results were not guaranteed.
Since fuel-cost savings are the concern, the unknown is the length of time required for the vehicle owner to recoup the installation charge of $1,500. In other words, are the fuel savings really worth the installation charge for the increase in fuel economy now and in the near future?
The results shown below were determined by using a vehicle currently averaging 16 mpg, obtaining a 40 percent mileage increase because of the hydrogen fuel cell installation, being driven for various miles from 6,000 to 20,000 per year and with fuel costing $3.50, $4 and $4.50 per gallon.
At the fuel cost of $3.50 per gallon, the length of time to recoup the installation charge ranges from 51 months for 6,000 miles per year driven to 15 months for 20,000 miles per year driven.
At the fuel cost of $4 per gallon, the length of time ranges from 44 months for 6,000 miles to 13 months for 20,000 miles per year driven.
At the fuel cost of $4.50 per gallon, the time ranges from 39 months for 6,000 miles to 12 months for 20,000 months per year driven.
The higher the fuel cost and/or the more miles driven per year tend to favor the installation of the hydrogen fuel cell, based on the assumption of the 40 percent increase in fuel economy. However, the higher the current average miles per gallon for the vehicle tends to have the reverse effect. The length of time the vehicle is to remain with the current owner also affects the decision.
All in all, if the cost of installation is not recovered in a period of 12 to 15 months, or less, and the vehicle does not remain with the current owner for at least two additional years, one might question the true “savings.” Also, is it possible for the device to be removed from the current vehicle without damage and re-installed on a replacement vehicle with just a labor charge? Warranties of the vehicle come into serious consideration, also.
Wayne Gruber is a retired life insurance/mutual fund sales representative and retirement consultant in Indiana and Florida.
Source : www.naplesnews.com
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