Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Ballard Power -world leader zero-emission PEM fuel cells -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: riposte who wrote (2516)	5/5/1998 10:04:00 AM
From: Sid Turtlman	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 5827

Steve: The current issue (May 1998) of the Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Newsletter does compare them: A standard diesel bus costs US$249,000 and a CNG bus costs between $287,000 and $311,000 depending on whether it is a low floor or high floor model. Each of the buses that Ballard sold to Chicago cost $1,400,000 each, plus a $900,000 hydrogen budget for all three for the two year test period, plus other unspecified costs. It is not clear whether there is any gross margin to Ballard on the buses--its actual costs might be higher. The article didn't state what the fuel bill would be for diesels or the CNG buses, but since we know that hydrogen costs four times as much as conventional fuels relative to the energy it contains, it is likely that the Ballard buses cost more to operate per mile as well as more to buy. They are extremely clean, however, and that is important. There may well be some wealthy transit authorities willing to pay for that. Many, however, may not want to lay off drivers and close down routes to pay for cleaner air. Ooops! I keep forgetting; as everyone on this thread knows, fuel cells and buses are just like DRAM chips--the more you produce, the more the cost plummets, until they undercut everything in the market. There--problem solved.

To: riposte who wrote (2516)	5/5/1998 2:33:00 PM
From: Sleeperz	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 5827

I don't think it requires more than a one liner to request that you keep us all informed when any Vehicle magazine does a test of altenative fuel Buses. As pointed out C&D does do offbeat testing but seems to be more concerned with speed and power. cl >>> On a personal note, I implore you, please - if you are going to attempt to play the devil's advocate, be smart about it. Do some research, and bring some solid points to the board. These weak one liners you seem to prefer have no redeeming qualities, and only reflect negatively upon yourself. Wishing us all a profitable day,<<<