YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA Second

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

Page 55

method being solar cells,- the by-product of the hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle would be environmentally-friendly, drinkable water. These vehicles combine the best features of battery-powered electric vehicles: zero emissions, high efficiency, quiet operation and long life, with the long range and fast refueling time of internalcombustion engine vehicles.
Currently, leading international automakers, including General Motors, Dainler-Benz Mazda and Nissan are investing millions of R&D dollars to put a working prototype on the road. The major challenges facing these car manufacturers, however, is to make the cells smaller, lighter and cheaper. One of the most promising fuel-cell systems today is the Proton Exchange Membranes (PEM) developed by Ballard Power Systems, a hightech Canadian company that is recognized as the world leader in fuel-cell technology. Examples of other fuel cell systems under development are:
This year, the city of Chicago will test three of the world's first zero-emission 40passenger buses built by Winnipeg's New Flyer Industries, and fitted with Ballad's advanced PEM fuel-cell.
Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus in Hamburg, Germany and partner companies are developing an aircraft called "cryoplane” that is powered by liquid hydrogen. The aim is to produce an aircraft that does not emit carbon dioxide or rely on nonrenewable fuels for power. If a demonstrator vehicle proves successful, a production model could enter service by the year 2010.
The world's first commercially available stationary power produce twill be a 250kW natural gas power plant. The commercial prototype of this product will be completed in 1997. Ballard anticipates that the 250kW Stationary Power Plant will be available for sale on a commercial basis during 1999.
The hydrogen fuel-cell automobile is the ultimate zero-emission vehicle which would strategically reduce our dependence on non-renewable, help mitigate global warming and improve air and water quality - all at a moderate cost. It is probably as close to being a "Jain Car" as we can hope for in the next decade. Until then, however, we must take personal responsibility to transform our awareness into ecological action. Try using alternative means of transportation - buses, subways, trains, bicycles, walking or carpooling. In Denmark, for example, 30% of all trips are taken on bikes. If all North American Jains consciously left their car idles for just one day a week, it would save an estimated 2 million gallons of gas per years, and keep 40 million pounds of carbon dioxide out of our atmosphere. Together, each one of us can make a difference.
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