Next time you're out driving, look around at the other cars. You'll see quite an array of makes and models but you'll also see a lot of older cars, some very poorly maintained, lights burned out, doors dented in, brakes squealing and engines sputtering. But they still run. Some of the owners are oblivious and have no idea of the concept of routine maintenance but some may not be as well off and keeping their car on the road is a necessary but difficult task. Lots of younger drivers start with the old beaters, too.
The truth of the matter is, the old internal combustion engine is amazingly durable and forgiving and it keeps running with almost zero maintenance. How would a fuel cell car do under similar circumstances? Will all of the amazing technology that converts hydrogen into electricity keep purring along at the 100,000 mile mark? Will someone who never opens the hood or takes their car in for service be able to drive a fuel cell car? Brand new, they'll be wonders of high technology but they have to stand up to high mileage and multiple owners, not to mention Friendly Fred's used car lot. If they don't last and can't be repaired easily, the lifecycle cost will be huge. It's a question that needs to be addressed very soon.
