It is important for the health of the planet to find another fuel to power our transportation, our industry and our recreational needs. Time seems to be running out before we can turn the corner on self-destruction and leave behind gasoline for good.  

Right now, perhaps, it is time to give some critical thinking to a hydrogen-powered RV concept. This hydrogen concept is only on the engineering board, a useable product could be 18 months away. Not time to get too excited over this idea, but I like what I know right now. Is it more feasible than the electric-powered idea? Or perhaps just an additional idea rather than a replacement.

The First Hydrogen Corporation located in Vancouver, British Columbia is developing a zero-emission hydrogen fuel-cell-powered RV. They are partnering with German engineering systems to bring vehicles that work in our world. Their utility vans and buses already experience the hydrogen fuel-cell design.

The RVing public has heard little about using hydrogen fuel cells, but I am impressed by this concept that offers another alternative to EVs. Plus, the changes to our culture are less than in the EV model.

• Fill the RV tank with hydrogen instead of gasoline (familiar enough so far). Takes minutes instead of hours as with the EV model.

• Storage tanks are lighter and take up less space (same as gasoline) in comparison to EV batteries.

• Drive 400 miles instead of 200 with an EV (that’s great).

• Performs better in extreme temperatures (works for me).

• Made in Canada where we can actually buy one and bring it home (Yes, that is what I‘m talking about).

• Zero-Emission – it leaves a residue of water (easily managed).

• Allows RV owners to run appliances they are familiar with, refrigerators, microwaves, TVs, laptops, and HVAC systems (yes, I want one).

Lighter-than-air hydrogen disperses much quicker than gasoline, making explosions less lightly in the open. If an accident ruptures a hydrogen tank on the open road, it disperses harmlessly into the air. The EV model would probably not explode but burst into flames from a battery fire. As we know, gasoline-driven engines do catch fire, some explode. All three modes of energy—hydrogen, electric and gasoline—have dangers associated with them.

The biggest obstacle to winning over the public to hydrogen is dispelling the mental picture of the Hindenburg Blimp that exploded in 1937. We still watch old films and newsreels of that spectacle.

Hydrogen fuel cells currently cost more to produce than EV fuel cells, but less than gasoline. If First Hydrogen Corp. invents a cost-efficient way to safely produce hydrogen, its RV future looks bright.

However, convincing the American public to overlook the explosive past of this fuel  may be more difficult (refer to the Hindenburg blimp that made front page news in 1937). Most of us understand now (in our current news exposure) that “Truth” rarely changes the version already in our head.