Hydrogen-Powered Golf Carts: Is This Really a Good Idea?

Electric golf carts are becoming increasingly common across Florida’s many golfing communities – and for good reason. The newer varieties can be cheaper, less noisy, cleaner, and even more durable than gas-powered carts. However, some manufacturers aren’t satisfied with these benefits – and these companies wish to popularize hydrogen-powered carts instead. Is this really a good idea in Florida? What could go wrong?

Yamaha Presents First-Ever Hydrogen-Powered Golf Cart 

On January 24th, Golf Course Industry reported that Yamaha’s new vision for golf carting was entirely hydrogen-powered. The New “Drive H2” cart was displayed at the PGA Show in Orlando, and it features hydrogen engines that emit no CO2 whatsoever. Twin, high-pressure hydrogen fuel tanks carry up to 25 liters of the fuel each.

It is worth mentioning that if any of this hydrogen spills out, the high-pressure nature of the gas could cause serious injuries to anyone on or near the cart. And because the gas is a “cryogen,” it could also cause additional injuries such as frostbite. Finally, any spark could ignite the hydrogen and potentially cause an explosion.

It’s important to note that a hydrogen gas explosion is not the same thing as an atom bomb explosion. Although hydrogen atoms were used in early nuclear weapons, hydrogen gas would not provide the same kind of nuclear, radioactive detonation. However, hydrogen gas is still very explosive – even when no atoms are being split. One of the most notable aeronautic disasters in history involved the Hindenburg – an airship filled with hydrogen gas.

Why Hydrogen Poses a Risk for Golfing Communities 

Yamaha is clearly a leader in carting innovation, but the Japanese company may not fully grasp the manner in which some of these carts are being driven. In many golfing communities throughout Florida, people drive these vehicles while highly intoxicated. Minors also get behind the wheel somewhat frequently – often without permission and with no adult supervision. These crashes are bad enough with electric motors. Add hydrogen gas into the equation, and the consequences could be unthinkable.

On January 22nd, for example, a golf cart driver was arrested in Lady Lake for crashing a golf cart into a fire hydrant and a flower bed while intoxicated. This was the individual’s fourth DUI – and he recorded a BAC level of over 0.2 percent. If the individual had crashed into a fire hydrant with a tank of high-pressure cryogenic hydrogen, how much worse would it have been? What if the gas tank had been ruptured, and the drunk individual decided to light a cigarette after crashing?

Find a Qualified, Experienced Golf Cart Attorney in Florida 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Florida golf cart accident attorney, look no further than www.GolfCartAttorney.com the Law Offices of Frank D. Butler. We know that golf carts pose many hazards to average Florida residents, and these hazards can become heightened with the presence of toxic fuel. If you have suffered burn injuries due to flammable or corrosive golf cart fuel, consider booking a consultation today. It may be possible to seek compensation for your injuries.

Sources: 

golfcourseindustry.com/news/yamaha-drive-h2-hydrogen-powered-golf-car/

thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/4th-time-drunk-driver-golf-cart-fire-hydrant-florida-flower-bed-sumter-county-repeat-offender-new-jersey-sheriff-office-deputy-first-gulf-war-standing-walking-lawn-chair-lost