SEMA: Ford unveils fuel cell Focus FCV

Ford Motor Co. says on Tuesday that it will have the first mass-produced direct-hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle on the road by 2004. Based on the hot-selling sub-compact Focus platform, the production-prototype is called the Focus FCV. Ford unveiled the new concept, which runs off compressed hydrogen gas, at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.

"Although we're working very hard to demonstrate the technical capability of fuel cells, we're still a long way from having fuel cells that will compete with internal combustions vehicles," says John Wallace, executive director of Ford's TH!NK Group. Still, he says, the automaker plans to lead in the development of fuel cells, but there are still enormous hurdles that must be overcome in reducing cost, improving reliability, and fuel availability.

Powered by TH!NK
The Focus FCV features high-fuel economy, zero emissions and the smooth ride of electric vehicles without the limitations of electric vehicle batteries. It was developed by TH!NK Technologies and will be co-branded with the "Powered by TH!NK" logo. Several automakers, including Ford, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, and Honda, have said that they'll build a limited number of fuel cell vehicles by 2004.

The FCV, which has a range of about 100 miles, will be among the more than 50 fuel cell vehicles tested over the next three years under the California Fuel Cell Partnership, a Sacramento, CA-based program teaming the state of California, automakers, fuel-cell makers, and oil companies. In addition to testing the fuel cell vehicles, the partnership will also identify fuel infrastructure issues and prepare the California market for this new technology.

"Fuel cells are a high-risk and high-reward technology," Wallace says. "We're developing this technology because it is the only one that has a chance of replacing the internal combustion engine."

Edited by Norman Martin
Managing Editor, AutoCentral.com