Hydrogen fuel cell hums to life
Dec 29, 2000 - CBC
Dearborn, Michigan - The auto industry is
very excited about the prototype of Ford's latest
Focus. That's because of what's under the hood
hydrogen fuel cells to provide energy for an electric
motor.
Instead of releasing exhaust fumes, this car releases
steam, from a rear vent. There's no need for a muffler;
the car literally hums to life and is powered by an
electric drive train system similar to an electric
battery.
But there's no need to re-charge the car. Instead,
you fill it up with compressed hydrogen.
The fuel cells rest behind the back seats |
Test engineer Brian Gillespey says the technology is
cutting edge. "We have the potential here to basically
change the way we drive vehicles and power them. And
go to a completely clean way of driving."
Gillespey says all the major automotive companies
are looking at the technology. They're working on
partnerships with the big oil companies in order to
head towards what's being called 'the hydrogen economy.'
Canadian connection
A Vancouver-based company, Ballard, manufactures
fuel cells to power the electric drive. It's part
of an alliance with Ford Motor Company and Daimler-Chrysler.
Ford says the new Focus is a go for production and
will be part of its fleet in the year 2004.
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