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 May
19 , 2004 — In
"Future Car," Alan Alda and SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN FRONTIERS
explore the automobiles of tomorrow, from cleaner-burning
diesel engines to drive-by-wire hydrogen cars. Among the scientists
featured in the program is Chris Borroni-Bird of General Motors.
Borroni-Bird is one of the world's leading experts on fuel
cells. He directs GM's Design and Technology Fusion Group,
which focuses on the critical relationship between technology
and design innovations. He is also Program Manager of GM's
AUTOnomy and Hywire concept cars, the first vehicles designed
around a fuel cell propulsion system and the first to combine
fuel cells with by-wire technology, which allows vehicle systems
to be controlled electronically rather than mechanically.
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Here,
Borroni-Bird discusses the likelihood, challenges and global
implications of a switch to hydrogen-powered automobiles.
Scientific
American Frontiers: Most Americans see a transition
to hydrogen-fueled cars as a pipe dream--is it?
Chris
Borroni-Bird:No, it is not a pipe dream. We are
making a considerable investment in developing fuel cell technology
with the intent of producing fuel cell vehicles that are commercially
viable by the end of the decade.
Hydrogen
fuel cells offer the best chance to create credible zero emissions
vehicles (because range and refueling time are far more acceptable
than with battery powered vehicles, which are the only other
possible type of ZEV). Moreover, if we take full advantage
of what the fuel cell can deliver in terms of design flexibility
and electrical power it will be possible to offer new vehicle
benefits not easily achievable with conventional vehicles
(e.g. improved safety, attractive design, impressive launch
and maneuverability, home backup power, etc.).
The
transformation to a hydrogen infrastructure is going to take
some time. But, we are convinced there are creative ways to
give it a "kick start" until the market forces take over.
We are actively engaged with energy companies and government
agencies in looking for ways to accelerate the evolution to
a hydrogen infrastructure.
Scientific
American Frontiers:
For you personally, what is the main impetus to move towards
hydrogen-powered vehicles? How much is following the technical
challenge and how much is fulfilling a social responsibility?
Chris
Borroni-Bird:What I feel is truly exciting about
the forthcoming hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is that it enables
us to reinvent the automobile in such a way that the customer
will fall in love with the vehicle for its unique look and
functionality and not simply because it is environmentally
responsible and eliminates our dependence on Middle East oil.
After all, the automobile may be unique among all products
in that it is combines both very strong emotional (status
symbol, "rolling sculpture") and highly rational (technical,
societal) elements. 
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