March 2004

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Preliminary results of an ongoing five-country public perceptions survey of hydrogen-powered buses indicates that support for hydrogen and fuel cells is generally high, but that knowledge about them is rather low. The early results of the two-and-half-year study, "AcceptH2: Public Perception of Hydrogen Buses in Five Countries," are based on surveys and interviews conducted in London, Luxembourg and Perth. They were presented at the International German Hydrogen Energy Congress Feb. 11-12 in Essen. Still to come is input from Berlin and Oakland, CA. Also among the preliminary findings: males and individuals with a higher level of formal education know more about hydrogen technologies than females and persons with a lower level of education; hydrogen evokes both positive (environment) and negative associations (bomb, explosive); there is practically no opposition to the introduction of hydrogen fuel and hydrogen vehicles; and in Luxembourg, more than 50% of all respondents would be willing to pay between Euro 0.01 and 0.30 in additional bus fare for hydrogen buses. Source/details: project website, www.accepth2.com