| Few consumers have been attracted to "clean" cars--those powered by something other than traditional internal combustion engines--because they aren't satisfied yet with critical factors such as appearance (too odd), cost (too high), dependability (too uncertain), and performance (too limited). The times they are a-changing, however. A host of catalysts, including new legal requirements and shifting public opinion, is finally driving automakers toward relevant alternative technologies that actually date back 160 years. And Jim Motavalli, who travels an unusual professional route as both syndicated auto columnist and environmental reporter, chronicles the buildup and potential payoff in his intriguing book Forward Drive. "The information I came across ... described a personal transportation revolution that was becoming tantalizingly close," he writes. "Here, at last, were vehicles that promised to not only greatly reduce pollution but also to perform better, be more reliable, cruise farther, and last much longer than anything the public had ever seen." Written for those "who'd somehow failed to get their engineering Ph.D.s," it absorbingly examines the history of such vehicles, the impact of gasoline automobiles, the pioneers who already utilize alternative power, the large and small R&D operations, the political and financial forces under which everything operates, and the broader picture of sustainable transportation. --Howard Rothman |
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 Fascinating reading |
| Review Date: May 4, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I would recommend this book as a fascinating read even if you are not an auto enthusiast (I'm not) or an environmentalist (who doesn't want clean air?), like the author. The writing that comes out of those two communities is generally dreadful, biased, and didactic. Thankfully, Motavalli's background as a first rate journalist has resulted in a book that is both balanced and well written. The history of the auto industry itself is quite colorful, and I would have indulged Mr. Motavalli a book twice the size if he wanted to tell even more of the story than he did. Maybe in another book. It's always a pleasure to find non-fiction that is actually entertaining to read. But of course this is more than just entertainment, since there is a lot at stake for all of us here. More than fun, this is an important book. He clearly makes the point that clean cars are not a nice-to-have, they are extremely critical if we are to have an inhabitable planet. We can't afford for the 400 million more cars in China -- let alone the rest of the world -- to be the polluters and fossil fuel consumers we now drive. I was impressed by the level of research. Motavalli even lists the names and titles of all the people he interviewed -- a rarity, and proof of the meticulous research he did, although the depth of his knowledge and it's authenticity is obvious from the text. This is a timely and important book, and I hope it raises a lot of consciousness. But at any rate you'll learn enough interesting tidbits to make you the hit of the next 50 cocktail parties. Especially if you drive there in a new hybrid car. |
The Future is Now!
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| Review Date: February 6, 2001 |
| Reviewer: M. D. MCGINLEY, United States |
| "Forward drive" is a pleasure to read, written by Jim Motavalli, who is well-versed in his subjects. Reading this book is one of the few things today that makes me feel like I'm actually in the 21st century, not stuck in the 90's and never progressing. The book has a wealth of information not found in any other book, and there are only a few books about the future of automobiles. I had no idea that big automakers were not really in a hurry to give us a truly revolutionary car with a new power source; it seems the profit margin was less for holding off in research and development because of some link with oil companies. I mean, come on, it's the year 2001! Where are all the cars like we saw in Bladerunner? Are we still stuck using twenty-miles to the gallon gasoline internal-combustion engines? What is the message from automakers when cars depicted in video games, for example, seem more real than the actual future? Why isn't there yet a car that is beyond what we have? The book discusses much needed information about "the race" to build cleaner cars, and that a car with no emissions--a technological difficulty in itself--is actually possible. The questions of fuel efficiency, speed, power and appeal of futuristic cars are also addressed, indicating the knowledgeability of the author. Key among the topics of "Forward Drive" is affordability. I would not pay $100,000 to drive a non-polluting car, simply because I'm not willing to pay that much just to drive. Motavalli, editor of "E:" magazine, clearly shows his love for the craft of writing nonfiction. "Forward drive" cannot be fully absorbed in only a skimming or a preview; it takes a dedicated block of time to actually read its pages carefully. I have found it very helpful as a reference in the book that I am writing. This book is one of those you don't want to bring to the second-hand store if you have any concern at all about the future--which is actually right now. Highly recommended for intelligent minds. It's about time we have some new information about something that affects the majority of Americans: driving. Buy "Forward drive," you won't be disappointed. |
Fuel Cell vehicles is unlikely too be mass produced in 2008
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| Review Date: January 25, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Golden Lion, North Ogden, Ut United States |
"The French are leading the way to eco-city of the future with small urban Evs and systems that turn them into a sharable form of public transportation." The Air Car by MDI is the most important eco-city friendly innovation of this century. The Air Car has about the same EV mileage range but requires no batteries.
Germany uses high-speed light rail systems to move people into the center of the city in about half and hour. 1994, Daimler-Benz built NECAR - the first fuel cell vehicle; NECAR II was a small van and could seat six; NECAR II reached traveling speeds of 60 mph and maintained a range of 150 miles; NECAR III has fuel reforming which increase the range to three hundred miles. In 1997, NEBUS arrived by Ballard and was powered by its 25 kilowatt fuel cell stacks. In 1998, Daimler-Benze delivered the world's first methanol reformed fuel cell car, NECAR III.
Fuel Cell Project House says this about the NECAR III, "it's our first methanol vehicle and the reforming technology is very complex. It takes time for the four step process to work, so there is hesitation when you accelerate, plus the problem of excessive noise from the compressor." Gerald Hornburg, the DBB fuel cell system manager estimated NECAR III to be worth more than $5 million.
DaimlerChrysler's Panik is convinced that methanol will be the fuel of the future: Germany has enough methanol for two million cars and there is enough methanol in the world for two million cars. Methanol production by China is possible because they have coal and natural gas that could be converted to Methanol. "Hydrogen fuel cells make a lot of sense for China, but its expensive technology requiring considerable investment."
In 1999, NECAR IV was unveil with 40 percent increase in power, top speed of ninety miles per hour, and a 280 mile range. NECAR IV ran on liquid hydrogen. "The company is intrigued by liquid fuel's easy portability, as is BMW, and both are in partnership with the German company Linde, which builds liquid hydrogen refueling stations." Hydrogen reaches a liquid state at minus 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
In 1997, Toyota showed a drivable methanol reformed "FCEV" fuel-cell car, based on its electric Rav 4. FCEV hydrogen fuel was stored in metal hydride. Toyota said it could obtain a 155 mile range with its metal hydride storage. David Hermance said "I'm not sure what system (metal hydride or onboard reformer) we'll end up with but my personal belief is that we'll never solve all the cost problems for onboard reformers. Direct hydrogen, however, is doable by 2004 - with some luck" No luck.
Projects that didn't measure up: 1. Hydrogen burning rotary engined Miata 2. Methanol reforming Nissan 3. Altra EV with lithium-ion battery (75 mph with a 80 mile range and 5 hour recharge cycle)
Consumers expected Honda commitment too Low Emission technology to drived cars capable of 100 mpg using gasoline internal combustible engines, but instead got sporter, heavier, and more stylist vehicles. The beauty of the Honda CXV was 50 mpg.
Low Emission technology with a swirl vortex plasma heater eliminated the need for a catalytic converter. Catalytic converts control emissions by burning unburned fuel, lower emissions caused from waste. Why not burn all the fuel the first time says PCCI technology.
"Taken for a ride" describes consumer disappointment in Honda's software allowing misfirings. When the news broke there was an uproar and Honda commitment to quality challenged.
"In the 1970s, Honda let Ford look at its data on how to meet Clean Air Act goals without catalytic converters". CVCC was the early low-emission engine.
Honda's 2.3-liter, four-cylinder used in the 1998 Accord EX was the first gasoline-powered vehicle to meet California ULEV standard. Hybrid technology increases the cost of the vehicle but promises low emissions. Plugin Hybrid technology will probably become the choice for Low or Zero Emission regulation.
Honda spokesman, Art Garner is not looking to fuel cell technology any time soon, as he says, "I agree with most people in the industry that fuel cells represent the best long-term potential, but the won't be here anytime soon. It will be a long time before they're financially feasible." Honda is working with methanol and built a prototype called FCX-V2. FCX-V2 incorporated Honda fuel cell and reformer technology. "Could the in-house engineers meet the significant technical challenge of miniaturizing an efficient methanol reformer?"
In 1999, ten hydrogen car prototypes were developed and by 2008 none have made it too market: Honda FCX-V2, Daihatsu MOVE EV-FC, Mazda Demio FCEV, Honda FCX-V1, Honda FCX, BMW 750hl, Venturer Geo Metro, Nissan Altra FCV, DaimlerChrysler NeCar 4, and Ford P2000.
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all up in your mug
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| Review Date: May 30, 2001 |
| Reviewer: Andrew stewart, Pennsylvania |
| this is the most exciting and interest book i have ever read on cars. I have found out so much information on cars of the future it is amazing. Jim Motavalli does a great job of explaining how these cars will work to the average person who doesnt know alot about cars. |
HIS BROTHA
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| Review Date: May 30, 2001 |
| Reviewer: Josh Young, Wexford,PA |
| This book is just flat out amazing. I read it every night, and that's a lot of reading (272 pages a night). Anyways, trust me, it talks about cars that are developing, such as electric and nitrogen...Peace out fools |
PhD Research Engineer Review
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| Review Date: May 3, 2000 |
| Reviewer: Stephen Finnegan, |
| As an alternative fuels engineering research student at the University of Liverpool, UK. I found Forward Drive to be both informative and quantitatively sound. An excellent account of each particular type of fuel cell vehicle, provided any reader with relatively little knowledge, a picture of the intrinsic complexities related to the commercialisation of fuel cell vehicles. Although Jim may be opinionated on fuel cell vehicles, adequate justification was placed upon the diminish of the internal combustion engine and necessity of the fuel cell vehicle for the future sustainability of transportation. |
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