In the late 1970s, celebrity endorsement was taken to new heights by none other than Jack Nicholson. He not only promoted a new piece of automotive technology but also invested his own money into the venture. In 1978, Nicholson appeared on TV driving the H2-4 Chevy, an Impala converted to run solely on hydrogen power. This was a revolutionary concept at the time, with promises that it could cut 58% of air pollution out of every city in the world.
The technology behind the H2-4 Chevy was simple: a fuel line takes hydrogen into the carburetor, which is adapted for hydrogen gas rather than traditional gasoline. From the exhaust comes a thin mist of steam, making white smoke from your tailpipe a non-issue. Nicholson even felt comfortable inhaling the steam directly from the tailpipe.
Although the tech never took off in a big way, it is still possible to go about daily business in a hydrogen-powered vehicle, especially for eco-conscious commuters in California. Mainstream automakers now offer factory models that utilize hydrogen technology, such as the Toyota Mirai.
The Toyota Mirai is one of the most popular hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles on the market, retailing at $51,795 with an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty. Its 402-mile range makes it a perfect EV alternative, and its water-only exhaust output makes it an attractive option for green commuters.
However, there are limitations to owning a Mirai. Filling stations are scarce outside of California, the vehicle is not cheap, and depreciation can be steep. Some owners have even sued Toyota over what they feel was overselling of the technology.
The firm behind the H2-4 Chevy, Consumers Solar Electric Power Corp., promised that hydrogen-fueled cars would typically cost 25-50% less than their gas-powered counterparts. Future plans included the development of hydrogen filling stations and the promise of zero pollutants. However, these promises were never delivered.
The company's downfall was not due to lack of funding or interest but rather scandal. It was accused of selling over 11 million shares of stock without proper procedures, totaling around $3.9 million in loans payable to shareholders. A settlement was agreed upon with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1981.
In 1982, the directors of Consumers Solar Electric Power Corp. were found guilty of mail fraud, including a $150,000 loan from Jack Nicholson. This scandal likely put further investment into hydrogen technology on the back burner, leaving us to wonder what the streets could look like today if hydrogen tech had hit the mainstream before EVs.
The story of the H2-4 Chevy and Consumers Solar Electric Power Corp. serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of bringing new technologies to market. Despite its promise, hydrogen-powered cars never quite took off as a viable alternative to traditional vehicles.
