How much do fuel cells cost?
One company commercially offers fuel cell power plants for about $3,000 pwer kilowatt. At that price, the units are competitive in high value, “niche” markets, and in areas where electricity prices are high and natural gas prices low. A study by Arthur D. Little, Inc., predicted that when fuel cell costs drop below $1,500 per kilowatt, they will achieve market penetration nationwide. Several Companies are selling small units for research purposes. Prices vary. Fuel cells will have to be much cheaper to become commercial in vehicles. Conventional car engines cost about $3,000 to manufacture. More research is needed to bring the cost of fuel cells down to that level, but officials at DaimlerChrysler have pledged to have a viable, commercial fuel cell vehicle available in 2004.
