The threat of global warming has captured the attention of the global community. Different countries have already taken steps to reduce that risk. In the United States, President George W. Bush calls for the reduction of gasoline consumption by as much as twenty percent in ten years time. In Brazil, huge steps are taken to produce alternative fuel like bio-ethanol.
Recently, Norway joined the ranks of countries working for the development of alternative fuels by initiating the Norwegian Hydrogen Highway or which is more commonly referred to as HyNor. The initiative is focused on the promotion of the use of hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle in the country.
The Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. is one of the vehicle suppliers of the project. On March 29, the company reported that they have delivered eleven hydrogen hybrid Toyota Prius vehicles to Miljobil Grenland AS which is a professional operator of an electric car fleet through a leasing concept. These vehicles will be the art of the country's dedication to encourage the use of alternative fuel vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emission which is the culprit behind global warming.
HyNor is a partnership between the Norwegian administration, different industries and the private sector. It is focused on the creation of the "Hydrogen Highway" that will connect the country's capital, Oslo, with Stavanger, a port on Western Norway. The project's short-term goal is the construction of hydrogen refueling facilities between the two cities.
Five hydrogen refueling stations are planned to be put up between the capital and the country's main source of petroleum products. It is interesting to know that Norway, being the third largest oil exporter in the world, trailing only Saudi Arabia and Russia, will invest in a technology that eliminates the use of petroleum products.
By 2009, the partnership aims to create more hydrogen refueling stations to enable hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles to regularly traverse the national highway from Oslo to Stavanger. The project will in the course of time will be extended to the whole Scandinavian region. In fact, the Scandinavian Hydrogen Highway Partnership is already formed as a joint project between Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
The eleven Toyota Prius hydrogen hybrid vehicles developed by Quantum are designed to store more hydrogen fuel which allows them to travel extended mileage before needing to refuel. The vehicles are equipped with an electronic multi-point hydrogen injection system developed by Quantum. The vehicles are also turbocharged and intercooled.
Aside from these features that increase the performance capacity of the vehicles, they are also loaded with safety features that will protect their occupants. Aside from efficient brake component, as efficient as those from Active Brakes Direct, the vehicles are designed to protect occupants in cases of crashes. To ensure safety of the occupants, the vehicle underwent and passed crash tests according to European standards.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Hydrogen Fuel Gains Momentum by Lauren Woods
The auto industry has been forced to take drastic steps to combat the recent spikes in the price of petroleum products. Different frontiers in the alternative fuel field have been put under scrutiny hoping that these fuels will one day eliminate the world's dependence on petroleum products. Biodiesel and electricity are some of the ways viewed as clean substitutes for gasoline and diesel as fuel and power sources.
Another alternative fuel under development is hydrogen. The use of hydrogen is seen as the future of zero emission vehicles since this element when used as fuel produces only water instead of the harmful gas that are emitted by burned petroleum products.
Recently, the use of hydrogen as fuel gained momentum as Linde Gas announced that they will be the sole provider of hydrogen fuel for the National Hydrogen Association's (NHA) conference being held in San Antonio, Texas. The company is part of the Linde Group and is the only company with the technology to provide hydrogen fuel to any hydrogen fueled vehicle.
The company has the technology to produce and provide hydrogen in liquid or gaseous form for fuel-cell vehicles. Among the auto makers that Linde Gas will be supplying include BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Honda, General Motors, Toyota, and Volkswagen. These automakers are known for their current research and developmental studies in the use of hydrogen as fuel for their future vehicles.
Joachim Wolf, the Executive Director for Hydrogen Solutions of the Linde Group, has this to say about their technology: "Fueling and driving hydrogen-powered vehicles just got easier and more energy efficient, thanks to technology developed by Linde. As the theme of this year's NHA conference is 'Hydrogen: Here and Now,' it is only appropriate for Linde to demonstrate our unique capability of fuelling all vehicles at this important event."
As of today, the company has already equipped more than sixty hydrogen refueling stations all over the world according to Wolf. He also maintained that the company is expected to meet the future demands for hydrogen as fuel.
The efficiency of hydrogen as fuel has already been tested on the BMW Hydrogen 7 Series. The said concept vehicle have been tested to travel significantly more miles before refueling compared to other prototypes using hydrogen as fuel. At the conference, spokespersons from the Linde Group will talk about the safety of hydrogen when used as fuel which is one of the main concerns of the public given the fact that hydrogen is highly flammable in nature.
Another issue to be addressed at the conference is the material that will be used in storing the fuel. With more and more car makers putting in effort to produce a hydrogen-powered zero emission vehicles like General Motors, it will only be a matter of time before fuel efficient vehicles equipped with Chevy cold air intake to increase fuel efficiency are replaced by zero emission vehicles burning hydrogen as fuel.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Another alternative fuel under development is hydrogen. The use of hydrogen is seen as the future of zero emission vehicles since this element when used as fuel produces only water instead of the harmful gas that are emitted by burned petroleum products.
Recently, the use of hydrogen as fuel gained momentum as Linde Gas announced that they will be the sole provider of hydrogen fuel for the National Hydrogen Association's (NHA) conference being held in San Antonio, Texas. The company is part of the Linde Group and is the only company with the technology to provide hydrogen fuel to any hydrogen fueled vehicle.
The company has the technology to produce and provide hydrogen in liquid or gaseous form for fuel-cell vehicles. Among the auto makers that Linde Gas will be supplying include BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Honda, General Motors, Toyota, and Volkswagen. These automakers are known for their current research and developmental studies in the use of hydrogen as fuel for their future vehicles.
Joachim Wolf, the Executive Director for Hydrogen Solutions of the Linde Group, has this to say about their technology: "Fueling and driving hydrogen-powered vehicles just got easier and more energy efficient, thanks to technology developed by Linde. As the theme of this year's NHA conference is 'Hydrogen: Here and Now,' it is only appropriate for Linde to demonstrate our unique capability of fuelling all vehicles at this important event."
As of today, the company has already equipped more than sixty hydrogen refueling stations all over the world according to Wolf. He also maintained that the company is expected to meet the future demands for hydrogen as fuel.
The efficiency of hydrogen as fuel has already been tested on the BMW Hydrogen 7 Series. The said concept vehicle have been tested to travel significantly more miles before refueling compared to other prototypes using hydrogen as fuel. At the conference, spokespersons from the Linde Group will talk about the safety of hydrogen when used as fuel which is one of the main concerns of the public given the fact that hydrogen is highly flammable in nature.
Another issue to be addressed at the conference is the material that will be used in storing the fuel. With more and more car makers putting in effort to produce a hydrogen-powered zero emission vehicles like General Motors, it will only be a matter of time before fuel efficient vehicles equipped with Chevy cold air intake to increase fuel efficiency are replaced by zero emission vehicles burning hydrogen as fuel.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Hydro Cars by Stevo Lim
It is said that Hydrogen cars are the way of the future. Today, the world is crippled by its need for oil, and its dependency on the Middle East for those fuels.
Cars that use Hydrogen for fuel use either a fuel cell based technology or an internal combustion engine.
The History of Hydrogen Fuel Celled Cars.
Swiss Christian Friedrich Schönbein developed the principle of the fuel cell and published it in the January 1839 edition of the "Philosophical Magazine." William Grove is credited with having invented a method, using the information from Schönbein's article, to mix hydrogen and oxygen through the use of an electrolyte in 1839. However, while this did produce some energy, it did not produce enough to be seen as useful.
Fuel cell research by the Germans in the 1920s made the concept of a carbonate cycle and oxide fuel cells to be thought of as being an alternative source of energy.
There is a debate as to where the term "fuel cell" originated. It is said to have come from either Ludwig Mond and Charles Langer, or William Jaques. Mond and Langer attempted to combine the gas from industrial coal with air in 1889. William Jaques who is noted to have been the first to use phosphoric acid in an electrolyte bath as part of the "fuel cell" process.
In 1932, Francis Bacon started to research fuel cells and discovered a less expensive catalyst than the previously used platinum. Bacon discovered that using a corrosive alkaline and nickel electrodes were effective enough to move research forward as it become more economically feasible. Bacon demonstrated the success of his fuel cell research in 1959 with his "Bacon Cell."
Since Bacon's work in the 1960s, Fuel cell technology has grown exponentially, as it is seen more and more as the fuel of the future.
For example, men like Stan Meyer, an American inventor, became concerned about the ability of a little country in the Middle East to control the United States and Western economies, and he began to experiment with what he saw to be the world's most available resource: water (hydrogen). Stan's water powered engines are noted as revolutionary, and threaten to topple a vast empire of gasoline and oil based companies.
Today, it is both possible to buy a hydrogen powered car, and to convert your car to hydrogen based fuel, which costs on average between $2,500 and $5,000.
How do Fuel Cells Work?
Hydrogen fuel cells are very much like car batteries. They have two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, that are separated by a membrane. Hydrogen from a fuel tank come into the cell and is split by a catalyst on the electrode anode. This action creates a movement of electrons that generate electricity, which is used to power the vehicle. The electrons of the hydrogen ions move through the membrane to the cathode electrodes where they chemically combine with oxygen from a compressor, producing both heat and water.
Fuel cells are said to be more efficient than combustion engines. Fuel cells also are more ecologically sound as they emit only heat and water. Another nice feature of the fuel cell is that it never needs to be changed for the life of the car.
The Future of Hydrogen Cars
Hydrogen is seen as the number one source of fuel in the future. Despite all that has been said for solar and wind power, hydrogen appears to be the answer. Government grants exist in many countries to improve the hydrogen based fuel, and push the auto industry into Hydro car manufacturing mode, and away from fossil fuels. This is pleasing those pushing for cleaner air, as the only known emissions from the car are water and heat.
Unfortunately, there is a large lobbying factor against this concept. Major oil companies and automobile companies are not happy with the concept of moving away from the standard gasoline fuels. It is expected that should there be such a move to hydrogen based fuels, oil companies may go bankrupt and there may be less of a need for cars as the fuel cells are expected to last the life of the car.
The future most likely will go the way of hydrogen based fuel. Watch for it to be the focus of energy within the next 20 years.
About the Author
Vehicleride.com is the place to find all your informations about cars, car reviews, car loans, car safety, future cars, hybrid cars, hydrogen cars, solar cars, sports cars, concept cars and many informations about cars.
Cars that use Hydrogen for fuel use either a fuel cell based technology or an internal combustion engine.
The History of Hydrogen Fuel Celled Cars.
Swiss Christian Friedrich Schönbein developed the principle of the fuel cell and published it in the January 1839 edition of the "Philosophical Magazine." William Grove is credited with having invented a method, using the information from Schönbein's article, to mix hydrogen and oxygen through the use of an electrolyte in 1839. However, while this did produce some energy, it did not produce enough to be seen as useful.
Fuel cell research by the Germans in the 1920s made the concept of a carbonate cycle and oxide fuel cells to be thought of as being an alternative source of energy.
There is a debate as to where the term "fuel cell" originated. It is said to have come from either Ludwig Mond and Charles Langer, or William Jaques. Mond and Langer attempted to combine the gas from industrial coal with air in 1889. William Jaques who is noted to have been the first to use phosphoric acid in an electrolyte bath as part of the "fuel cell" process.
In 1932, Francis Bacon started to research fuel cells and discovered a less expensive catalyst than the previously used platinum. Bacon discovered that using a corrosive alkaline and nickel electrodes were effective enough to move research forward as it become more economically feasible. Bacon demonstrated the success of his fuel cell research in 1959 with his "Bacon Cell."
Since Bacon's work in the 1960s, Fuel cell technology has grown exponentially, as it is seen more and more as the fuel of the future.
For example, men like Stan Meyer, an American inventor, became concerned about the ability of a little country in the Middle East to control the United States and Western economies, and he began to experiment with what he saw to be the world's most available resource: water (hydrogen). Stan's water powered engines are noted as revolutionary, and threaten to topple a vast empire of gasoline and oil based companies.
Today, it is both possible to buy a hydrogen powered car, and to convert your car to hydrogen based fuel, which costs on average between $2,500 and $5,000.
How do Fuel Cells Work?
Hydrogen fuel cells are very much like car batteries. They have two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, that are separated by a membrane. Hydrogen from a fuel tank come into the cell and is split by a catalyst on the electrode anode. This action creates a movement of electrons that generate electricity, which is used to power the vehicle. The electrons of the hydrogen ions move through the membrane to the cathode electrodes where they chemically combine with oxygen from a compressor, producing both heat and water.
Fuel cells are said to be more efficient than combustion engines. Fuel cells also are more ecologically sound as they emit only heat and water. Another nice feature of the fuel cell is that it never needs to be changed for the life of the car.
The Future of Hydrogen Cars
Hydrogen is seen as the number one source of fuel in the future. Despite all that has been said for solar and wind power, hydrogen appears to be the answer. Government grants exist in many countries to improve the hydrogen based fuel, and push the auto industry into Hydro car manufacturing mode, and away from fossil fuels. This is pleasing those pushing for cleaner air, as the only known emissions from the car are water and heat.
Unfortunately, there is a large lobbying factor against this concept. Major oil companies and automobile companies are not happy with the concept of moving away from the standard gasoline fuels. It is expected that should there be such a move to hydrogen based fuels, oil companies may go bankrupt and there may be less of a need for cars as the fuel cells are expected to last the life of the car.
The future most likely will go the way of hydrogen based fuel. Watch for it to be the focus of energy within the next 20 years.
About the Author
Vehicleride.com is the place to find all your informations about cars, car reviews, car loans, car safety, future cars, hybrid cars, hydrogen cars, solar cars, sports cars, concept cars and many informations about cars.
BMW Hydrogen 7: Bliss Or Anathema? by Correy Putton
The German automaker BMW earlier announced its upcoming vehicle known as the BMW Hydrogen 7. The vehicle serves as the world's first hydrogen-powered luxury performance car. It will be manufactured in a limited edition in Europe and will be later on sold to the American market.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 is a hydrogen vehicle that is equipped with cutting-edge BMW body parts to complement its powerful yet environment-friendly nature. It is based on the chassis of the standard 7-series. Its internal combustion engine is capable of running on either hydrogen or gasoline. The engine of the vehicle is powered by a 260kW, 12-cylinder engine and accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds. The top speed is limited electronically to 229km/h. The hydrogen technology imbibed in the vehicle trims down emissions of carbon dioxide. When the vehicle is running in the hydrogen mode, it emits nothing but vapor.
The coming of BMW's green car is given enough publicity and aspirations. "Leave it to BMW to come up with a viable alternative to fuel cells, electric propulsion, and storage batteries," Automobile magazine said of the BMW Hydrogen 7. Nevertheless, the introduction of said vehicle leaves so many questions unanswered. Will it be considered as an anathema or would it be the other way around?
"Like money, hydrogen is plentiful but not easily obtained," wrote Don Sherman in one of the issues of Automobile. "The most noticeable difference between the two fuel modes [hydrogen and gasoline] is a sharper, more metallic edge to the engine note during acceleration on hydrogen. Only by listening carefully can you hear the gurgle of the engine coolant circulating to warm the chilly hydrogen for combustion." Sherman concluded, "BMW's Hydrogen 7 is encouraging evidence that pistons and spark plugs could survive to entertain us for decades to come in the era of carbon-free fuel."
One of the first journalists to drive the BMW Hydrogen 7 is BBC News business reporter Jorn Madslien. He assessed whether the vehicle is indeed a green initiative or a cynical market trap. Behind the powerful and efficient car is a set of auto drawbacks. The worst so far is finding refueling stations.
"We don't have a problem about saying it is a marketing exercise," admitted Timm Kehler. Kehler is the person responsible for marketing BMW's early developments and innovation projects. The saving grace lies on the taking of a long-term commercial risk. "It shows the company can respond quickly to increases in the price of fossil fuel," Kehler said, adding that as the world will eventually run out of oil and gas "we'll need to start this now if we want to exist in the future".
BMW has already received plenty of offers from politicians and executives, scientists and athletes, celebrities and other famous personalities, all eager to help "create visibility for hydrogen." Among the long list of popular people are Madonna, Al Gore, David Suzuki and Arnold Schwarzenegger. They are queuing up to endorse the car and perhaps further boost their own green images in the process.
"All innovation invokes expensive solutions that can best be pumped into the market from the top end," explained Kehler. "Here we have customers who are affluent and who are committed to technology. They are in a position to pay for technology that may prove to be the status symbols of the future."
Despite the apparent shortfalls, the project is about much more than merely marketing, Kehler explained. "I think the car itself shows you it is not just a façade." Wolfgang Leder of Total Deutschland's new energy team added, "What we see here is a far reaching, advanced and mature technology. We want people who invest in filling stations to know there are users out there."
"Hydrogen is an energy carrier," Leder pointed out. "There are several ways to produce it. Wind power would be the best, or solar." On a positive note, BMW's marketing and brand manager, Torsten Muller-Otvos, predicted, "One day, even petrol and diesel will have to compete with hydrogen."
About the Author
Correy Putton is a 28-year old bachelor from Pittsburgh, PA who has been around cars for the better part of his life. He now works online and writes all about his passion: cars. He is also a certified mechanic.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 is a hydrogen vehicle that is equipped with cutting-edge BMW body parts to complement its powerful yet environment-friendly nature. It is based on the chassis of the standard 7-series. Its internal combustion engine is capable of running on either hydrogen or gasoline. The engine of the vehicle is powered by a 260kW, 12-cylinder engine and accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds. The top speed is limited electronically to 229km/h. The hydrogen technology imbibed in the vehicle trims down emissions of carbon dioxide. When the vehicle is running in the hydrogen mode, it emits nothing but vapor.
The coming of BMW's green car is given enough publicity and aspirations. "Leave it to BMW to come up with a viable alternative to fuel cells, electric propulsion, and storage batteries," Automobile magazine said of the BMW Hydrogen 7. Nevertheless, the introduction of said vehicle leaves so many questions unanswered. Will it be considered as an anathema or would it be the other way around?
"Like money, hydrogen is plentiful but not easily obtained," wrote Don Sherman in one of the issues of Automobile. "The most noticeable difference between the two fuel modes [hydrogen and gasoline] is a sharper, more metallic edge to the engine note during acceleration on hydrogen. Only by listening carefully can you hear the gurgle of the engine coolant circulating to warm the chilly hydrogen for combustion." Sherman concluded, "BMW's Hydrogen 7 is encouraging evidence that pistons and spark plugs could survive to entertain us for decades to come in the era of carbon-free fuel."
One of the first journalists to drive the BMW Hydrogen 7 is BBC News business reporter Jorn Madslien. He assessed whether the vehicle is indeed a green initiative or a cynical market trap. Behind the powerful and efficient car is a set of auto drawbacks. The worst so far is finding refueling stations.
"We don't have a problem about saying it is a marketing exercise," admitted Timm Kehler. Kehler is the person responsible for marketing BMW's early developments and innovation projects. The saving grace lies on the taking of a long-term commercial risk. "It shows the company can respond quickly to increases in the price of fossil fuel," Kehler said, adding that as the world will eventually run out of oil and gas "we'll need to start this now if we want to exist in the future".
BMW has already received plenty of offers from politicians and executives, scientists and athletes, celebrities and other famous personalities, all eager to help "create visibility for hydrogen." Among the long list of popular people are Madonna, Al Gore, David Suzuki and Arnold Schwarzenegger. They are queuing up to endorse the car and perhaps further boost their own green images in the process.
"All innovation invokes expensive solutions that can best be pumped into the market from the top end," explained Kehler. "Here we have customers who are affluent and who are committed to technology. They are in a position to pay for technology that may prove to be the status symbols of the future."
Despite the apparent shortfalls, the project is about much more than merely marketing, Kehler explained. "I think the car itself shows you it is not just a façade." Wolfgang Leder of Total Deutschland's new energy team added, "What we see here is a far reaching, advanced and mature technology. We want people who invest in filling stations to know there are users out there."
"Hydrogen is an energy carrier," Leder pointed out. "There are several ways to produce it. Wind power would be the best, or solar." On a positive note, BMW's marketing and brand manager, Torsten Muller-Otvos, predicted, "One day, even petrol and diesel will have to compete with hydrogen."
About the Author
Correy Putton is a 28-year old bachelor from Pittsburgh, PA who has been around cars for the better part of his life. He now works online and writes all about his passion: cars. He is also a certified mechanic.
FoMoCo of Australia Extends Support to Hydrogen Research by Lauren Woods
The auto industry has seen the increase in the demand for eco-friendly vehicles as the global community becomes more aware of the threats of global warming. To address the demand, car manufacturers have been investing in the development of eco-friendly vehicles.
One of the more promising technologies is the use of hydrogen as fuel. Hydrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere and when burned, this alternative fuel produces no greenhouse gases. That is why car manufacturers like the Ford Motor Company have been making partnerships to do research on the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Recently, FoMoCo of Australia partnered with the University of Melbourne to delve in further into the hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The university also recently received a $1.2 million grant form the Victorian State Government. With that grant and with Ford supplying engines to the university, the practical use of hydrogen as vehicle fuel will be studied even better. Ford Australia President Tom Gorman said that "Ford Australia is proud to extend our relationship with the University of Melbourne through this important project." The study will not only focus on the practical use of hydrogen as fuel for vehicles but also on the production of hydrogen.
While hydrogen is abundant, it combines with other elements. So, therefore, for it to be used as fuel, it has to be extracted first. Another problem in the use of hydrogen as fuel is the construction of fuel cells. As of today, fuel cells are fragile and can only withstand low vibrations which means that the current technology is impractical for off-road vehicles since the bumps encountered during off-road driving can severely damage the whole fuel cell assembly.
The participation of Ford on the hydrogen research is not surprising since the company is one of the leading car manufacturers which have already been investing on alternative fuel development. Gorman has this to say about Ford's dedication to the development of alternative fuel vehicles: "Globally, Ford Motor Company is a leader in the development of alternative fuel vehicles and technologies. The Escape Hybrid, our range of E85-capable flexi-fuel vehicles, and the recent showcasing of the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability are all examples of our broader global efforts."
Gorman added that: "The University of Melbourne project is the first to research hydrogen engine alternatives using an Australian sourced engine, and will be an important complement to these initiatives." The University of Melbourne will be aiming to produce a hydrogen fueled six-cylinder engine from Ford. The technology being developed at the university is called the Hydrogen Assisted Jet Ignition or HAJI for short. This technology when used in a car can provide a performance similar to that of a car equipped with a Neuspeed cold air intake system.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Salvage Repairable Autos & SUV
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One of the more promising technologies is the use of hydrogen as fuel. Hydrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere and when burned, this alternative fuel produces no greenhouse gases. That is why car manufacturers like the Ford Motor Company have been making partnerships to do research on the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Recently, FoMoCo of Australia partnered with the University of Melbourne to delve in further into the hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The university also recently received a $1.2 million grant form the Victorian State Government. With that grant and with Ford supplying engines to the university, the practical use of hydrogen as vehicle fuel will be studied even better. Ford Australia President Tom Gorman said that "Ford Australia is proud to extend our relationship with the University of Melbourne through this important project." The study will not only focus on the practical use of hydrogen as fuel for vehicles but also on the production of hydrogen.
While hydrogen is abundant, it combines with other elements. So, therefore, for it to be used as fuel, it has to be extracted first. Another problem in the use of hydrogen as fuel is the construction of fuel cells. As of today, fuel cells are fragile and can only withstand low vibrations which means that the current technology is impractical for off-road vehicles since the bumps encountered during off-road driving can severely damage the whole fuel cell assembly.
The participation of Ford on the hydrogen research is not surprising since the company is one of the leading car manufacturers which have already been investing on alternative fuel development. Gorman has this to say about Ford's dedication to the development of alternative fuel vehicles: "Globally, Ford Motor Company is a leader in the development of alternative fuel vehicles and technologies. The Escape Hybrid, our range of E85-capable flexi-fuel vehicles, and the recent showcasing of the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability are all examples of our broader global efforts."
Gorman added that: "The University of Melbourne project is the first to research hydrogen engine alternatives using an Australian sourced engine, and will be an important complement to these initiatives." The University of Melbourne will be aiming to produce a hydrogen fueled six-cylinder engine from Ford. The technology being developed at the university is called the Hydrogen Assisted Jet Ignition or HAJI for short. This technology when used in a car can provide a performance similar to that of a car equipped with a Neuspeed cold air intake system.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Salvage Repairable Autos & SUV
Elite's speciality is damaged,salvage, rebuildable & flood cars.all late model inventory.
Rebuildable Export Cars 4sale
We resale repairable insurance autos.recovered thefts,collision cars,floods all late model
Ford Supports Hydrogen Fuel Technology Research by Joe Thompson
Ford Supports Hydrogen Fuel Technology Research by Joe Thompson
The Ford Motor Co. Australia has intimated its willingness to support the forthcoming research project by the University of Melbourne to study efficient and practical hydrogen fuelled vehicle technologies.
According to Peter Batchelor, the Minister for Energy and Resources, "The important study today received a $1.2 million grant from the Victorian State Government, announced by the Minister for Energy and Resources."
To further aid the research project, Ford Australia has promised to contribute engines and resources. The support will coincide with the State Government's grant to attain engine and vehicle development. The project is also aimed at analyzing hydrogen generation and storage technology. "Ford Australia is proud to extend our relationship with the University of Melbourne through this important project," said Tom Gorman, the Ford Australia president.
Ford Australia and the Victorian State Government joined the university so as to form the Advanced Centre for Automotive Research Technology (ACART). The purpose of the centre is to boost auto development in Australia. ACART will soon build a new engine dynamometer facility, a diesel test cell, and a top-notch environmental wind tunnel that would be available for use by the automotive development community.
"Globally, Ford Motor Company is a leader in the development of alternative fuel vehicles and technologies. The Escape Hybrid, our range of E85-capable flexi-fuel vehicles, and the recent showcasing of the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability are all examples of our broader global efforts," added Gorman. "The University of Melbourne project is the first to research hydrogen engine alternatives using an Australian sourced engine, and will be an important complement to these initiatives," he continued.
The first stage of the university's study is the development and testing of a hydrogen-fuelled turbo-charged Ford 6-cylinder engine that has been designed using the advanced combustion technology (HAJI - Hydrogen Assisted Jet Ignition). The goal behind the study is to demonstrate the characteristics and benefits of hydrogen assisted internal combustion. The intensive study will build on many years of hydrogen combustion research at the renowned university.
"This project will use cutting-edge research into low or zero emissions technology," said Dr. Michael Brear, a senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne. "It will also tackle the important energy issues of hydrogen generation from renewable energy and its high density storage requirements."
The research is set to start in July this year. It will be bolstered by the automaker's vision to address global climate change and reduce foreign oil reliance by using alternative fuels and technologies.
Alternative fuels, also called non-conventional fuels, include any substance or material that can be used as a fuel other than fossils and the conventional petroleum, propane, coal, and natural gas. The term usually means a renewable energy source.
Alternative fuels also cover hydrogen fuel cells and internal combustion engines, hybrid engines, liquefied petroleum gas, biofuels, advanced transmissions, and clean diesel engines. Now, the automaker will be focusing on building refined clean engines and discovering environment-friendly fuels to help clean the air. It will not be concentrating on auto parts like power antennas but on the totality its product lines.
About the Author
Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 48 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.
The Ford Motor Co. Australia has intimated its willingness to support the forthcoming research project by the University of Melbourne to study efficient and practical hydrogen fuelled vehicle technologies.
According to Peter Batchelor, the Minister for Energy and Resources, "The important study today received a $1.2 million grant from the Victorian State Government, announced by the Minister for Energy and Resources."
To further aid the research project, Ford Australia has promised to contribute engines and resources. The support will coincide with the State Government's grant to attain engine and vehicle development. The project is also aimed at analyzing hydrogen generation and storage technology. "Ford Australia is proud to extend our relationship with the University of Melbourne through this important project," said Tom Gorman, the Ford Australia president.
Ford Australia and the Victorian State Government joined the university so as to form the Advanced Centre for Automotive Research Technology (ACART). The purpose of the centre is to boost auto development in Australia. ACART will soon build a new engine dynamometer facility, a diesel test cell, and a top-notch environmental wind tunnel that would be available for use by the automotive development community.
"Globally, Ford Motor Company is a leader in the development of alternative fuel vehicles and technologies. The Escape Hybrid, our range of E85-capable flexi-fuel vehicles, and the recent showcasing of the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability are all examples of our broader global efforts," added Gorman. "The University of Melbourne project is the first to research hydrogen engine alternatives using an Australian sourced engine, and will be an important complement to these initiatives," he continued.
The first stage of the university's study is the development and testing of a hydrogen-fuelled turbo-charged Ford 6-cylinder engine that has been designed using the advanced combustion technology (HAJI - Hydrogen Assisted Jet Ignition). The goal behind the study is to demonstrate the characteristics and benefits of hydrogen assisted internal combustion. The intensive study will build on many years of hydrogen combustion research at the renowned university.
"This project will use cutting-edge research into low or zero emissions technology," said Dr. Michael Brear, a senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne. "It will also tackle the important energy issues of hydrogen generation from renewable energy and its high density storage requirements."
The research is set to start in July this year. It will be bolstered by the automaker's vision to address global climate change and reduce foreign oil reliance by using alternative fuels and technologies.
Alternative fuels, also called non-conventional fuels, include any substance or material that can be used as a fuel other than fossils and the conventional petroleum, propane, coal, and natural gas. The term usually means a renewable energy source.
Alternative fuels also cover hydrogen fuel cells and internal combustion engines, hybrid engines, liquefied petroleum gas, biofuels, advanced transmissions, and clean diesel engines. Now, the automaker will be focusing on building refined clean engines and discovering environment-friendly fuels to help clean the air. It will not be concentrating on auto parts like power antennas but on the totality its product lines.
About the Author
Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 48 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.
NHA Conference Hydrogen Vehicles Get Fuel From Linde Gas by Lauren Woods
All hydrogen vehicles which would be showcased at the currently ongoing National Hydrogen Assocation (NHA) Conference would be given the juice that it needs, thanks to Linde Gas. Linde Gas is a member of The Linde Group which is one of the leading companies in engineering as well as in industrial gases.
The conference is currently held in San Antonio, Texas and it would be running from March 19th up until the 22nd. And with Linde being its supplier of the fuel for hydrogen vehicles, it sure would look like a grand time for all attendees. A press release did mention that Linde would be supplying the various types hydrogen fuel - compressed gaseous hydrogen and cryogenic liquid hydrogen. These would then be filled in to vehicles created by car manufacturers like Toyota, BMW, Volkswagen, Daimler Chrysler, GM, and Honda.
Joachim Wolf is the executive director for The Linde Group's hydrogen solutions team and he asserts, "Fueling and driving hydrogen-powered vehicles just got easier and more energy efficient, thanks to technology developed by Linde. As the theme of this year's NHA conference is 'Hydrogen: Here and Now,' it is only appropriate for Linde to demonstrate our unique capability of fuelling all vehicles at this important event." He also does continue to express, "Linde has equipped over 60 hydrogen filling stations worldwide and soon expects to meet the world's current automotive hydrogen demand with the help of sustainable hydrogen production methods, such as hydrogen produced from biomass."
If you are going to be part of the NHA Conference, you may be able to catch up on a lecture on the whole chain of events that lead to hydrogen vehicles. This project is going to be done by the BMW Group. Wolf as well as Frank Ochmann would be heading the lecture. Ochmann is the current head for the development project of the BMW Hydrogen 7 Series vehicles. There would also be a segment wherein the differentiation would be set between those hydrogen vehicles and the conventional vehicles that use parts like Ford racing cold air intake systems so as to let the public understand the whole deal better.
Wolf did mention one amazing fact about hydrogen as fuel, "As a fuel source, liquid hydrogen's low volume and high energy density enables vehicles like the BMW Hydrogen 7 to travel longer distances between refueling."
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
The conference is currently held in San Antonio, Texas and it would be running from March 19th up until the 22nd. And with Linde being its supplier of the fuel for hydrogen vehicles, it sure would look like a grand time for all attendees. A press release did mention that Linde would be supplying the various types hydrogen fuel - compressed gaseous hydrogen and cryogenic liquid hydrogen. These would then be filled in to vehicles created by car manufacturers like Toyota, BMW, Volkswagen, Daimler Chrysler, GM, and Honda.
Joachim Wolf is the executive director for The Linde Group's hydrogen solutions team and he asserts, "Fueling and driving hydrogen-powered vehicles just got easier and more energy efficient, thanks to technology developed by Linde. As the theme of this year's NHA conference is 'Hydrogen: Here and Now,' it is only appropriate for Linde to demonstrate our unique capability of fuelling all vehicles at this important event." He also does continue to express, "Linde has equipped over 60 hydrogen filling stations worldwide and soon expects to meet the world's current automotive hydrogen demand with the help of sustainable hydrogen production methods, such as hydrogen produced from biomass."
If you are going to be part of the NHA Conference, you may be able to catch up on a lecture on the whole chain of events that lead to hydrogen vehicles. This project is going to be done by the BMW Group. Wolf as well as Frank Ochmann would be heading the lecture. Ochmann is the current head for the development project of the BMW Hydrogen 7 Series vehicles. There would also be a segment wherein the differentiation would be set between those hydrogen vehicles and the conventional vehicles that use parts like Ford racing cold air intake systems so as to let the public understand the whole deal better.
Wolf did mention one amazing fact about hydrogen as fuel, "As a fuel source, liquid hydrogen's low volume and high energy density enables vehicles like the BMW Hydrogen 7 to travel longer distances between refueling."
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Linde Gas Provides Hydrogen Fuel At NHA Conference by Jenny McLane
Linde Gas, part of The Linde Group, one of the leading suppliers of industrial gases and chemicals, is the sole provider of hydrogen fuel for the largest American hydrogen energy conference, which has started yesterday in San Antonio, Texas.
"Fueling and driving hydrogen-powered vehicles just got easier and more energy efficient, thanks to technology developed by Linde. As the theme of this year's NHA conference is 'Hydrogen: Here and Now,' it is only appropriate for Linde to demonstrate our unique capability of fuelling all vehicles at this important event," said Joachim Wolf, the executive director for hydrogen solutions of The Linde Group.
Linde Gas is a Gold Sponsor at the National Hydrogen Association's conference, which is scheduled from March 19 to 22. The company will provide both compressed gaseous hydrogen and cryogenic liquid hydrogen to vehicles from automakers including BMW, Daimler-Chrysler, Honda, GM, Toyota and Volkswagen.
In the said conference, Linde Gas will showcase its in-house technology to fuel all types of hydrogen-powered vehicles. "Linde has equipped over 60 hydrogen filling stations worldwide and soon expects to meet the world's current automotive hydrogen demand with the help of sustainable hydrogen production methods, such as hydrogen produced from biomass," Wolf said.
Wolf and Frank Ochmann, the head of the BMW Hydrogen 7 Series development project, BMW Group, presented the entire hydrogen chain yeaterday. Linde is an exclusive partner of BMW on hydrogen fuelling technology and an essential hydrogen supplier to the BMW CleanEnergy project.
"As a fuel source, liquid hydrogen's low volume and high energy density enables vehicles like the BMW Hydrogen 7 to travel longer distances between refueling," Wolf said. Wolf also will deliver a keynote address on Thursday, March 22, on the hydrogen infrastructure as well as a presentation public fuelling of hydrogen powered vehicles on March 21 in Exhibition Hall B.
After the NHA conference, Linde also will present at the Compressed Gas Association's segment following the NHA conference on Friday, March 23. Wolf will undertake the safety aspects of fueling vehicles with liquid hydrogen. Bob Boyd, the hydrogen solutions project development manager, also will tackle the usability of composite carbon fiber tubes for storing hydrogen.
The Linde Group employs over 51,000 employees working in approximately 70 countries around the globe. Its strategy is geared towards earnings-based growth and focuses on the development of its international business with innovative and futuristic products and services. The company's products and services are now enjoying the hype like Westin automotive products.
About the Author
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
"Fueling and driving hydrogen-powered vehicles just got easier and more energy efficient, thanks to technology developed by Linde. As the theme of this year's NHA conference is 'Hydrogen: Here and Now,' it is only appropriate for Linde to demonstrate our unique capability of fuelling all vehicles at this important event," said Joachim Wolf, the executive director for hydrogen solutions of The Linde Group.
Linde Gas is a Gold Sponsor at the National Hydrogen Association's conference, which is scheduled from March 19 to 22. The company will provide both compressed gaseous hydrogen and cryogenic liquid hydrogen to vehicles from automakers including BMW, Daimler-Chrysler, Honda, GM, Toyota and Volkswagen.
In the said conference, Linde Gas will showcase its in-house technology to fuel all types of hydrogen-powered vehicles. "Linde has equipped over 60 hydrogen filling stations worldwide and soon expects to meet the world's current automotive hydrogen demand with the help of sustainable hydrogen production methods, such as hydrogen produced from biomass," Wolf said.
Wolf and Frank Ochmann, the head of the BMW Hydrogen 7 Series development project, BMW Group, presented the entire hydrogen chain yeaterday. Linde is an exclusive partner of BMW on hydrogen fuelling technology and an essential hydrogen supplier to the BMW CleanEnergy project.
"As a fuel source, liquid hydrogen's low volume and high energy density enables vehicles like the BMW Hydrogen 7 to travel longer distances between refueling," Wolf said. Wolf also will deliver a keynote address on Thursday, March 22, on the hydrogen infrastructure as well as a presentation public fuelling of hydrogen powered vehicles on March 21 in Exhibition Hall B.
After the NHA conference, Linde also will present at the Compressed Gas Association's segment following the NHA conference on Friday, March 23. Wolf will undertake the safety aspects of fueling vehicles with liquid hydrogen. Bob Boyd, the hydrogen solutions project development manager, also will tackle the usability of composite carbon fiber tubes for storing hydrogen.
The Linde Group employs over 51,000 employees working in approximately 70 countries around the globe. Its strategy is geared towards earnings-based growth and focuses on the development of its international business with innovative and futuristic products and services. The company's products and services are now enjoying the hype like Westin automotive products.
About the Author
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
Honda to Produce Fuel Cell Vehicles For Consumers Next Year by Jenny McLane
The current global warming threat and increasing prices of gasoline has led car manufacturers to develop new technologies to reduce the dependency on fossil fuel. Reducing greenhouse gases which contributes to global warming is also a major concern for car manufacturers. Currently, the most popular alternative engine technology is the gas-electric hybrid technology used widely by Japanese car manufacturers such as Toyota and Honda.
The Toyota Prius is the most popular hybrid vehicle today with celebrities known to own and drive it all around town. Another technology though more fuel efficient than hybrids is being developed by Honda. The FCX fuel-cell vehicle is the first U.S. government approved fuel-cell vehicle. Currently, the said vehicle is being tested by fleets and a couple of consumers. Next year though, Honda promises to produce a limited number of this environment friendly vehicle.
The announcement came after General Motors also publicized that they will be letting consumers test 100 units of the fuel-cell powered Chevrolet Equinox. The modified SUV from General Motors also gained the approval of the government. Both the revised Equinox and the FCX are powered by electricity. The electricity which drives the vehicles is produced by the fusion of oxygen and hydrogen. Oxygen is taken in by the fuel cell stack from the surrounding air while hydrogen is purchased from refilling stations offering it. Currently, that is a problem being faced with the development of these hydrogen-fueled vehicles.
Across the country, there are limited numbers of refilling stations offering hydrogen fuel. Already, there are proposed solutions to this problem. One of these is the involvement of industrial gas suppliers. Companies such as Praxair and Air Products could make their resources available to fuel-cell car owners.
While the use of fuel cell technology eliminates the emission of harmful greenhouse gases, it is expected that fuel cell technology is years away from being practical for ordinary consumer use. Fuel cell vehicles are more environment friendly than hybrid vehicles since the result of the fusion of hydrogen fuel and oxygen is only water. The production of fuel stack though is costly and fragile. With more money being poured into the development of these vehicles, it can be expected that development of tougher fuel cell stacks for a lower price will be a reality.
For the 2008 FCX, Honda announced that they will be using a lithium-ion battery pack that is known to be lighter and more powerful than the nickel-metal hydride batteries used by current hybrid vehicles. The second largest Japanese car manufacturer also announced that the production FCX will be equipped with a smaller fuel cell stack. The current FCXs use the entire floor space to accommodate its fuel cell stack. For the next year, the fuel cell stack will only occupy the space under the armrest between the driver and the passenger. The light lithium-ion battery pack will be placed behind the rear seat.
The company did not release a statement whether they will be redesigning the exterior of the sleek FCX for the consumer market. Currently, the FCX's design stands out with its unique headlight and taillight configuration which looks good even without a set of Auto Ventshade accessories. The FCX not only looks good but also delivers good value for money in terms of fuel efficiency. According to Honda, the FCX has a mileage rating of 68 mpg if equated to gasoline. While hydrogen costs more per gallon, the efficiency of fuel cell technology makes the cost per mile less than that of gasoline.
Aside from the limited production FCX, Honda also announced that they will be offering a unique hybrid vehicle which will cost less than the hybrid version of the Honda Civic in the near future. The company said that the new hybrid will not replace the Civic hybrid in its lineup. Instead, the said new hybrid will augment the Civic, much like what the Prius is to the Camry hybrid.
About the Author
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
The Toyota Prius is the most popular hybrid vehicle today with celebrities known to own and drive it all around town. Another technology though more fuel efficient than hybrids is being developed by Honda. The FCX fuel-cell vehicle is the first U.S. government approved fuel-cell vehicle. Currently, the said vehicle is being tested by fleets and a couple of consumers. Next year though, Honda promises to produce a limited number of this environment friendly vehicle.
The announcement came after General Motors also publicized that they will be letting consumers test 100 units of the fuel-cell powered Chevrolet Equinox. The modified SUV from General Motors also gained the approval of the government. Both the revised Equinox and the FCX are powered by electricity. The electricity which drives the vehicles is produced by the fusion of oxygen and hydrogen. Oxygen is taken in by the fuel cell stack from the surrounding air while hydrogen is purchased from refilling stations offering it. Currently, that is a problem being faced with the development of these hydrogen-fueled vehicles.
Across the country, there are limited numbers of refilling stations offering hydrogen fuel. Already, there are proposed solutions to this problem. One of these is the involvement of industrial gas suppliers. Companies such as Praxair and Air Products could make their resources available to fuel-cell car owners.
While the use of fuel cell technology eliminates the emission of harmful greenhouse gases, it is expected that fuel cell technology is years away from being practical for ordinary consumer use. Fuel cell vehicles are more environment friendly than hybrid vehicles since the result of the fusion of hydrogen fuel and oxygen is only water. The production of fuel stack though is costly and fragile. With more money being poured into the development of these vehicles, it can be expected that development of tougher fuel cell stacks for a lower price will be a reality.
For the 2008 FCX, Honda announced that they will be using a lithium-ion battery pack that is known to be lighter and more powerful than the nickel-metal hydride batteries used by current hybrid vehicles. The second largest Japanese car manufacturer also announced that the production FCX will be equipped with a smaller fuel cell stack. The current FCXs use the entire floor space to accommodate its fuel cell stack. For the next year, the fuel cell stack will only occupy the space under the armrest between the driver and the passenger. The light lithium-ion battery pack will be placed behind the rear seat.
The company did not release a statement whether they will be redesigning the exterior of the sleek FCX for the consumer market. Currently, the FCX's design stands out with its unique headlight and taillight configuration which looks good even without a set of Auto Ventshade accessories. The FCX not only looks good but also delivers good value for money in terms of fuel efficiency. According to Honda, the FCX has a mileage rating of 68 mpg if equated to gasoline. While hydrogen costs more per gallon, the efficiency of fuel cell technology makes the cost per mile less than that of gasoline.
Aside from the limited production FCX, Honda also announced that they will be offering a unique hybrid vehicle which will cost less than the hybrid version of the Honda Civic in the near future. The company said that the new hybrid will not replace the Civic hybrid in its lineup. Instead, the said new hybrid will augment the Civic, much like what the Prius is to the Camry hybrid.
About the Author
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
BMW Hydrogen 7 to be delivered in UK by Evander Klum
BMW UK will finally deliver its first fleet of the world's first hydrogen-powered emissions-free luxury saloon cars. The momentous event is scheduled next week where eight BMW Hydrogen 7 cars are to be delivered in the UK.
These hydrogen-emissions-free luxury saloon cars are part of the total fleet of 100 Hydrogen 7 models that will comprise the major landmark in BMW's CleanEnergy programme. It is the first time that Hydrogen 7 models have been produced on the 'standard' 7 series production line and will be utilize as an everyday mode of transport in the UK.
The fleet of liquid hydrogen powered cars is set to become a mainstay on the UK roads. They will also be made to take part as support vehicles for a number of high profile events over the summer as well as transport key participants at political, industrial, and business conferences. A selected group of high-profile VIP users will also be given the privilege to experience driving the greatness of emissions-free motoring.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 will be seen in action at a number of high-profile events beginning May 22 at the SMMT Test day at Millbrook followed by a week's BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. The Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Revolve alternative fuel Brighton to London driving event are also included in the itinerary of events together with a number of conferences and environmental summits.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 is derived from the existing 7 Series and comes with an internal combustion engine that is capable of running on hydrogen or petrol. When the car is in hydrogen mode the Hydrogen 7 emits nothing but water vapor. It is powered by a 260hp 12-cylinder engine, the Hydrogen 7 can sprint from 0 to 62mph in a matter of 9.5 seconds before it reaches an electronically limited 143mph top speed.
The unique dual power engine of the Hydrogen 7 enables it to quickly shift from hydrogen to conventional petrol power by simply pressing on the steering wheel-mounted button. The dual power technology has also given the Hydrogen 7 the cruising range in excess of 125 miles in the hydrogen mode and an extra 300 miles under the petrol power. Its 74 liter petrol tank and the additional hydrogen fuel tank allow the vehicle to take in an additional of 8kgs of liquid hydrogen. This means that the vehicle won't require for frequent refueling. In case its time to refuel there is a filling station developed in Wembley to support BMW's plans for a clean emission.
The Hydrogen 7 provides engine power and torque regardless of the fuel it currently use. The driver may also choose between hydrogen and petrol without having to fear that it will affect the driving behavior or the performance of the vehicle. However since the car is designed for hydrogen use its priority is of course using hydrogen as its primary source of fuel butin case it runs out of hydrogen that's the time that it switches to using petrol.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 is very much different from the previous hydrogen concept cars presented by other manufacturers. But just like any standard vehicle that Hydrogen 7 may also be customize using aftermarket parts and accessories such as auto ventshade which does not only enhance the appearance of vehicles but also provide extra protection from all sorts of harmful elements. The Hydrogen 7 presents another milestone in the history of the auto industry.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
These hydrogen-emissions-free luxury saloon cars are part of the total fleet of 100 Hydrogen 7 models that will comprise the major landmark in BMW's CleanEnergy programme. It is the first time that Hydrogen 7 models have been produced on the 'standard' 7 series production line and will be utilize as an everyday mode of transport in the UK.
The fleet of liquid hydrogen powered cars is set to become a mainstay on the UK roads. They will also be made to take part as support vehicles for a number of high profile events over the summer as well as transport key participants at political, industrial, and business conferences. A selected group of high-profile VIP users will also be given the privilege to experience driving the greatness of emissions-free motoring.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 will be seen in action at a number of high-profile events beginning May 22 at the SMMT Test day at Millbrook followed by a week's BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. The Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Revolve alternative fuel Brighton to London driving event are also included in the itinerary of events together with a number of conferences and environmental summits.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 is derived from the existing 7 Series and comes with an internal combustion engine that is capable of running on hydrogen or petrol. When the car is in hydrogen mode the Hydrogen 7 emits nothing but water vapor. It is powered by a 260hp 12-cylinder engine, the Hydrogen 7 can sprint from 0 to 62mph in a matter of 9.5 seconds before it reaches an electronically limited 143mph top speed.
The unique dual power engine of the Hydrogen 7 enables it to quickly shift from hydrogen to conventional petrol power by simply pressing on the steering wheel-mounted button. The dual power technology has also given the Hydrogen 7 the cruising range in excess of 125 miles in the hydrogen mode and an extra 300 miles under the petrol power. Its 74 liter petrol tank and the additional hydrogen fuel tank allow the vehicle to take in an additional of 8kgs of liquid hydrogen. This means that the vehicle won't require for frequent refueling. In case its time to refuel there is a filling station developed in Wembley to support BMW's plans for a clean emission.
The Hydrogen 7 provides engine power and torque regardless of the fuel it currently use. The driver may also choose between hydrogen and petrol without having to fear that it will affect the driving behavior or the performance of the vehicle. However since the car is designed for hydrogen use its priority is of course using hydrogen as its primary source of fuel butin case it runs out of hydrogen that's the time that it switches to using petrol.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 is very much different from the previous hydrogen concept cars presented by other manufacturers. But just like any standard vehicle that Hydrogen 7 may also be customize using aftermarket parts and accessories such as auto ventshade which does not only enhance the appearance of vehicles but also provide extra protection from all sorts of harmful elements. The Hydrogen 7 presents another milestone in the history of the auto industry.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
BMW to Deliver Hydrogen 7 by Anthony Fontanelle
The current trend in the auto industry is the development and production of environment friendly vehicles. This trend is the result of increasing prices of petroleum fuel and the increasing awareness concerning global warming. Different alternative technologies are already being use by car manufacturers to reduce the amount of fossil fuel consumed by vehicles thus reducing greenhouse gas emission which contributes heavily to global warming.
In the United States, hybrid technology is favored and it is evident in the fact that even celebrities are known to drive gas-electric hybrid cars. While hybrid vehicles reduce the amount of fossil fuel burned, it is not the most promising clean vehicle technology. That distinction belongs to fuel-cell technology which uses hydrogen as fuel and eliminates the use of petroleum fuel and greenhouse gas emission. BMW is aware of this fact that is why they have developed a car based on the 7 series but it can run on both gasoline and hydrogen fuel.
The Hydrogen 7 as the vehicle is called will make its appearance next week on the roads of the United Kingdom. The vehicle is the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan in the world. Initially, BMW will deliver eight of these cars in the UK as part of their Clean Energy program. The said environment-friendly initiative involves production of 100 units of the Hydrogen 7. According to Jim O'Donnell, BMW UK's Managing Director: "The arrival of our Hydrogen 7 cars could not have come at a better time. Politicians, business leaders, the media and consumers are engaged in healthy debate on the future of energy supply and use. Meanwhile, the automotive industry is committed to cleaner motoring, with a host of possible solutions available today and being developed for the mid- and long-term. BMW is at the core of the future of motoring with tremendous developments in petrol and diesel engines, hybrid powertrains and hydrogen technologies."
O'Donnell added that: "Our EfficientDynamics programme has introduced energy-saving technologies that break through the 60 miles per gallon and one hundred and twenty grams per kilometer CO2 barriers, our new diesels are cleaner and greener than many of today's hybrids, yet power and performance in all of our cars has improved. Clean, green motoring can also be engaging and dynamic, and the new BMW Hydrogen 7 models epitomize that philosophy." The vehicles that will be delivered by BMW will be used on high profile events to promote the technology.
While fuel-cell is the most environment friendly alternative fuel technology, its use is hampered by different problems. One of these is the cost of production. Since fuel-cell technology uses advanced components, the cost of these materials makes hydrogen-fueled vehicles impractical for most car buyers. Ongoing research and development though is expected to reduce the production cost of these green cars.
Another problem faced by the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles is the availability of refilling stations offering hydrogen fuel. Uwe Ellinghaus has this to say about that issue: "The age-old chicken-and-egg debate has now been resolved. BMW can produce hydrogen-powered cars on the production line and the time is right to engage with business leaders and politicians in order to progress the development of a hydrogen highway - the fuelling and infrastructure requirements that make hydrogen a viable fuel for the consumer. We hope that experiencing these cars in normal driving situations will encourage people to join the debate. Without doubt, it will take many years for a suitable infrastructure to develop that makes hydrogen power an easy option for the consumer, but all indications are hydrogen is the only genuine long-term sustainable power source for cars. Public hydrogen filling stations have been developed in Germany and California, and the presence of BMW Hydrogen 7 cars in the UK will undoubtedly bring the future closer for British drivers."
The BMW Hydrogen 7 is equipped with an internal combustion engine engineered to run on both gasoline and hydrogen fuel. Switching between gasoline and hydrogen is as easy as pushing a button. When one decides to change from gasoline to hydrogen, the power output and performance is not affected making the car one of the most convenient flex-fuel vehicles. To enable the car to run on both fuel, BMW equipped the Hydrogen with two fuel tanks. The use of these two fuels gives the Hydrogen a cruising range of more than 425 miles. With the hydrogen fuel, the car is expected to run for 125 miles while for the gasoline, it can get 300 miles on a full tank.
In terms of performance, the Hydrogen 7 is true to its lineage as a BMW. It also uses the same BMW components for its chassis and other systems like BMW brake calipers, shock absorbers, and the steering system assembly.
About the Author
Mike Bartley, 49, is a professional automotive journalist domiciled in Irvine, CA. He travels from one state to another to cover the hottest auto shows, racing events and automotive revelations. His penned compositions cover press releases, reviews, and suggestions. Where the auto action is, that's exactly where you can find Mike.
In the United States, hybrid technology is favored and it is evident in the fact that even celebrities are known to drive gas-electric hybrid cars. While hybrid vehicles reduce the amount of fossil fuel burned, it is not the most promising clean vehicle technology. That distinction belongs to fuel-cell technology which uses hydrogen as fuel and eliminates the use of petroleum fuel and greenhouse gas emission. BMW is aware of this fact that is why they have developed a car based on the 7 series but it can run on both gasoline and hydrogen fuel.
The Hydrogen 7 as the vehicle is called will make its appearance next week on the roads of the United Kingdom. The vehicle is the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan in the world. Initially, BMW will deliver eight of these cars in the UK as part of their Clean Energy program. The said environment-friendly initiative involves production of 100 units of the Hydrogen 7. According to Jim O'Donnell, BMW UK's Managing Director: "The arrival of our Hydrogen 7 cars could not have come at a better time. Politicians, business leaders, the media and consumers are engaged in healthy debate on the future of energy supply and use. Meanwhile, the automotive industry is committed to cleaner motoring, with a host of possible solutions available today and being developed for the mid- and long-term. BMW is at the core of the future of motoring with tremendous developments in petrol and diesel engines, hybrid powertrains and hydrogen technologies."
O'Donnell added that: "Our EfficientDynamics programme has introduced energy-saving technologies that break through the 60 miles per gallon and one hundred and twenty grams per kilometer CO2 barriers, our new diesels are cleaner and greener than many of today's hybrids, yet power and performance in all of our cars has improved. Clean, green motoring can also be engaging and dynamic, and the new BMW Hydrogen 7 models epitomize that philosophy." The vehicles that will be delivered by BMW will be used on high profile events to promote the technology.
While fuel-cell is the most environment friendly alternative fuel technology, its use is hampered by different problems. One of these is the cost of production. Since fuel-cell technology uses advanced components, the cost of these materials makes hydrogen-fueled vehicles impractical for most car buyers. Ongoing research and development though is expected to reduce the production cost of these green cars.
Another problem faced by the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles is the availability of refilling stations offering hydrogen fuel. Uwe Ellinghaus has this to say about that issue: "The age-old chicken-and-egg debate has now been resolved. BMW can produce hydrogen-powered cars on the production line and the time is right to engage with business leaders and politicians in order to progress the development of a hydrogen highway - the fuelling and infrastructure requirements that make hydrogen a viable fuel for the consumer. We hope that experiencing these cars in normal driving situations will encourage people to join the debate. Without doubt, it will take many years for a suitable infrastructure to develop that makes hydrogen power an easy option for the consumer, but all indications are hydrogen is the only genuine long-term sustainable power source for cars. Public hydrogen filling stations have been developed in Germany and California, and the presence of BMW Hydrogen 7 cars in the UK will undoubtedly bring the future closer for British drivers."
The BMW Hydrogen 7 is equipped with an internal combustion engine engineered to run on both gasoline and hydrogen fuel. Switching between gasoline and hydrogen is as easy as pushing a button. When one decides to change from gasoline to hydrogen, the power output and performance is not affected making the car one of the most convenient flex-fuel vehicles. To enable the car to run on both fuel, BMW equipped the Hydrogen with two fuel tanks. The use of these two fuels gives the Hydrogen a cruising range of more than 425 miles. With the hydrogen fuel, the car is expected to run for 125 miles while for the gasoline, it can get 300 miles on a full tank.
In terms of performance, the Hydrogen 7 is true to its lineage as a BMW. It also uses the same BMW components for its chassis and other systems like BMW brake calipers, shock absorbers, and the steering system assembly.
About the Author
Mike Bartley, 49, is a professional automotive journalist domiciled in Irvine, CA. He travels from one state to another to cover the hottest auto shows, racing events and automotive revelations. His penned compositions cover press releases, reviews, and suggestions. Where the auto action is, that's exactly where you can find Mike.
BMW Delivers World's First Hydrogen-Powered Saloon by Anthony Fontanelle
Direct from its factory in the United Kingdom, BMW delivers the world's first fleet of the world's first hydrogen-powered emissions-free luxury saloons - the Hydrogen 7. The saloon is based on the chassis of the standard 7-series but its engine is designed to run on gasoline or hydrogen (bivalent). In hydrogen mode, the saloon emits nothing more than water vapor.
Next week, 'Clean Energy' will arrive to the UK with the rolling out eight BMW Hydrogen 7 cars. The virtually emissions-free luxury saloons, also flaunting enhanced BMW brake boosters and other power parts, form part of a total fleet of a hundred Hydrogen 7 models that are a major landmark in the automaker's CleanEnergy programme. For the first time, Hydrogen 7 models have been delivered on the 'standard' 7 Series production line and will be used in normal daily driving in the UK.
Jim O'Donnell, the BMW UK's managing director, summed up BMW's milestones: "The arrival of our Hydrogen 7 cars could not have come at a better time. Politicians, business leaders, the media and consumers are engaged in healthy debate on the future of energy supply and use. Meanwhile, the automotive industry is committed to cleaner motoring, with a host of possible solutions available today and being developed for the mid- and long-term. BMW is at the core of the future of motoring with tremendous developments in petrol and diesel engines, hybrid powertrains and hydrogen technologies."
O'Donnell concluded, "Our EfficientDynamics programme has introduced energy-saving technologies that break through the 60 miles per gallon and one hundred and twenty grams per kilometre CO2 barriers, our new diesels are cleaner and greener than many of today's hybrids, yet power and performance in all of our cars has improved. Clean, green motoring can also be engaging and dynamic, and the new BMW Hydrogen 7 models epitomise that philosophy."
The fleet of liquid hydrogen powered product lines from the German automaker is aimed at continuing its rigorous programme of driving activities on UK roads. According to BMW, the company will be in active service as support vehicles at a number of high profile events over the summer as well as transporting key participants at industrial, business and political conferences. A chosen group of high-profile VIP users will also take delivery of a car for short periods of time in order to experience the 'normality' of emissions-free motoring.
Uwe Ellinghaus, BMW UK's marketing director, noted the importance of these hydrogen cars: "The age-old chicken-and-egg debate has now been resolved. BMW can produce hydrogen-powered cars on the production line and the time is right to engage with business leaders and politicians in order to progress the development of a hydrogen highway - the fuelling and infrastructure requirements that make hydrogen a viable fuel for the consumer."
He added further, "We hope that experiencing these cars in normal driving situations will encourage people to join the debate. Without doubt, it will take many years for a suitable infrastructure to develop that makes hydrogen power an easy option for the consumer, but all indications are hydrogen is the only genuine long-term sustainable power source for cars. Public hydrogen filling stations have been developed in Germany and California, and the presence of BMW Hydrogen 7 cars in the UK will undoubtedly bring the future closer for British drivers."
The BMW Hydrogen 7 cars will be seen in action at a number of high-profile events starting on 22 May at the SMMT Test Day at Millbrook followed by the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. The Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Revolve alternative fuel Brighton to London drive event are also in the itinerary. The cars will also be used in a number of environmental summits and conferences.
Powered by a 260 horsepower 12-cylinder engine unit, the Hydrogen 7 accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 9.5 seconds before going on to an electronically limited 143 mph top speed. With its unique dual power engine, the driver of a Hydrogen 7 can shift quickly and expediently from hydrogen to conventional gasoline power at a simple push of a steering wheel-mounted button.
The dual power technology employed in the car means it has a cruising range in excess of 125 miles in the hydrogen mode with a further 300 miles under gasoline power. To make the car more potent, the BMW Hydrogen 7 features a conventional 74-litre petrol tank and an extra hydrogen fuel tank holding up to eight kilograms of liquid hydrogen. The flexibility will enable the driver of a BMW Hydrogen 7 is able to use the car at all times, even when the closest hydrogen filling station is out of range. To support BMW's plans for a cleaner environment, a filling station has been developed in Wembley.
For pure driving bliss, engine performance, power and torque, the Hydrogen 7 ensures unbending characteristics notwithstanding which fuel is in use. The driver can move between the two fuels without any effect on driving performance or behavior of the car. The Hydrogen 7 always gives priority to the use of hydrogen but, should this run out, it automatically switches to petrol power.
Unlike other hydrogen concept cars, the BMW Hydrogen 7 indicates the automaker's milestone in the auto history. It is a full production ready vehicle, which has complied with all the stringent processes and final sign-off criteria that every current BMW product line undertakes.
Ever wondered why the automaker ventures on hydrogen fuel? The BMW Group has been committed to hydrogen technology as a means of limiting hazardous vehicle emissions, in particular carbon dioxide emissions, for over two decades. Unlike fossil fuels and conventional gasoline, hydrogen is available in virtually endless supply when renewable energies such as wind, solar and wave power are used to produce the liquid hydrogen which can be used as fuel.
Stored in a especially designed tank which keeps the fuel at a pressure of 3-5 bar and a constant temperature of -250°C, liquid hydrogen delivers significant advantages in energy density than other possible alternative fuel sources to improve the cruising range of the car.
The German automaker does not intend to come to a halt when it comes to developing efficient and powerful gasoline engines that considerably decrease fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Together with clean performance diesel cars and the technologically advanced hybrid systems currently under development, the automaker has a clear-cut strategy for sustainable mobility with hydrogen as the ultimate goal.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Next week, 'Clean Energy' will arrive to the UK with the rolling out eight BMW Hydrogen 7 cars. The virtually emissions-free luxury saloons, also flaunting enhanced BMW brake boosters and other power parts, form part of a total fleet of a hundred Hydrogen 7 models that are a major landmark in the automaker's CleanEnergy programme. For the first time, Hydrogen 7 models have been delivered on the 'standard' 7 Series production line and will be used in normal daily driving in the UK.
Jim O'Donnell, the BMW UK's managing director, summed up BMW's milestones: "The arrival of our Hydrogen 7 cars could not have come at a better time. Politicians, business leaders, the media and consumers are engaged in healthy debate on the future of energy supply and use. Meanwhile, the automotive industry is committed to cleaner motoring, with a host of possible solutions available today and being developed for the mid- and long-term. BMW is at the core of the future of motoring with tremendous developments in petrol and diesel engines, hybrid powertrains and hydrogen technologies."
O'Donnell concluded, "Our EfficientDynamics programme has introduced energy-saving technologies that break through the 60 miles per gallon and one hundred and twenty grams per kilometre CO2 barriers, our new diesels are cleaner and greener than many of today's hybrids, yet power and performance in all of our cars has improved. Clean, green motoring can also be engaging and dynamic, and the new BMW Hydrogen 7 models epitomise that philosophy."
The fleet of liquid hydrogen powered product lines from the German automaker is aimed at continuing its rigorous programme of driving activities on UK roads. According to BMW, the company will be in active service as support vehicles at a number of high profile events over the summer as well as transporting key participants at industrial, business and political conferences. A chosen group of high-profile VIP users will also take delivery of a car for short periods of time in order to experience the 'normality' of emissions-free motoring.
Uwe Ellinghaus, BMW UK's marketing director, noted the importance of these hydrogen cars: "The age-old chicken-and-egg debate has now been resolved. BMW can produce hydrogen-powered cars on the production line and the time is right to engage with business leaders and politicians in order to progress the development of a hydrogen highway - the fuelling and infrastructure requirements that make hydrogen a viable fuel for the consumer."
He added further, "We hope that experiencing these cars in normal driving situations will encourage people to join the debate. Without doubt, it will take many years for a suitable infrastructure to develop that makes hydrogen power an easy option for the consumer, but all indications are hydrogen is the only genuine long-term sustainable power source for cars. Public hydrogen filling stations have been developed in Germany and California, and the presence of BMW Hydrogen 7 cars in the UK will undoubtedly bring the future closer for British drivers."
The BMW Hydrogen 7 cars will be seen in action at a number of high-profile events starting on 22 May at the SMMT Test Day at Millbrook followed by the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. The Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Revolve alternative fuel Brighton to London drive event are also in the itinerary. The cars will also be used in a number of environmental summits and conferences.
Powered by a 260 horsepower 12-cylinder engine unit, the Hydrogen 7 accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 9.5 seconds before going on to an electronically limited 143 mph top speed. With its unique dual power engine, the driver of a Hydrogen 7 can shift quickly and expediently from hydrogen to conventional gasoline power at a simple push of a steering wheel-mounted button.
The dual power technology employed in the car means it has a cruising range in excess of 125 miles in the hydrogen mode with a further 300 miles under gasoline power. To make the car more potent, the BMW Hydrogen 7 features a conventional 74-litre petrol tank and an extra hydrogen fuel tank holding up to eight kilograms of liquid hydrogen. The flexibility will enable the driver of a BMW Hydrogen 7 is able to use the car at all times, even when the closest hydrogen filling station is out of range. To support BMW's plans for a cleaner environment, a filling station has been developed in Wembley.
For pure driving bliss, engine performance, power and torque, the Hydrogen 7 ensures unbending characteristics notwithstanding which fuel is in use. The driver can move between the two fuels without any effect on driving performance or behavior of the car. The Hydrogen 7 always gives priority to the use of hydrogen but, should this run out, it automatically switches to petrol power.
Unlike other hydrogen concept cars, the BMW Hydrogen 7 indicates the automaker's milestone in the auto history. It is a full production ready vehicle, which has complied with all the stringent processes and final sign-off criteria that every current BMW product line undertakes.
Ever wondered why the automaker ventures on hydrogen fuel? The BMW Group has been committed to hydrogen technology as a means of limiting hazardous vehicle emissions, in particular carbon dioxide emissions, for over two decades. Unlike fossil fuels and conventional gasoline, hydrogen is available in virtually endless supply when renewable energies such as wind, solar and wave power are used to produce the liquid hydrogen which can be used as fuel.
Stored in a especially designed tank which keeps the fuel at a pressure of 3-5 bar and a constant temperature of -250°C, liquid hydrogen delivers significant advantages in energy density than other possible alternative fuel sources to improve the cruising range of the car.
The German automaker does not intend to come to a halt when it comes to developing efficient and powerful gasoline engines that considerably decrease fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Together with clean performance diesel cars and the technologically advanced hybrid systems currently under development, the automaker has a clear-cut strategy for sustainable mobility with hydrogen as the ultimate goal.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Hydrogen-fueled Ford E-450 Buses to Invade Orlando's Roads by Kraig Johanssen
The State of Florida together with Ford Motor Company has announced recently that they are putting a fleet of hydrogen-fueled Ford E-450 buses in all of Orlando. It would become the first US city to take delivery of these ultra clean vehicles.
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has marked the occasion at the Chevron Hydrogen station which will provide fuel for the eight buses that are powered by internal combustion engines that run exclusively on hydrogen.
Sue Cischke, Ford Senior Vice President for Sustainability, Environment, and Safety Engineering said, "These buses represent part of Ford Motor Company's strategy to deliver transportation solutions that emit less CO2 and reduce our dependence on oil. We are pleased to partner with the State of Florida, Progress Energy and Chevron Hydrogen to place these buses into service so that Central Florida residents will be able to experience this unique form of clean transportation."
Governor Charlie Crist has also expressed his gladness for the new hydrogen buses that they will be receiving. He said, "Today's event demonstrates the incredible level of support hydrogen technology is receiving from our nation's distinguished business leaders. Florida is excited to be a part of these revolutionary advancements and we are embracing the challenges that lie ahead. We are committed as state to be a leader in both the policies and projects that protect our economy and our environment."
The Ford E-450 shuttle buses are powered by a 6.8 liter V10 engine that been supercharged and fine tuned to run exclusively on hydrogen fuel. Of the eight F-450, two of which are to be used by the Greater Orlando Airport Authority (GOAA), and additional two are to be assigned for the Orlando Convention Central District. The remaining four are to be delivered to customers in Florida at a later date. Ford has already delivered five buses to Canada, three of which are in Ottawa while the other two are delivered in Vancouver late of 2006. All in all Ford will deliver a total of 30 buses to customers across North America by the end of this year.
The Ford E-450 shuttle buses in Florida are part of the state's broader plan to move toward a greater application of alternative fuels. And last year, Ford delivered five hybrid hydrogen Ford Focus Fuel Cell vehicles as part of a separate effort with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Progress Energy to gain feedback on hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The Technology behind the Internal Combustion Engine The Ford E-450 was based on the belief of Ford Motor Company that the hydrogen combustion engine technology can serve as a means of allowing hydrogen to become a viable alternative fuel. The use of hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines provides many advantages including high-efficiency, all-weather capability, and near zero emissions of regulated pollutants and greenhouse gases (CO2). And the best thing about hydrogen fueled internal combustion is the fact that they can be hybridized to boost further fuel efficiency.
To further enhance its hydrogen internal combustion engines, Ford is conducting additional research to create its next generation hydrogen internal combustion engines which will include features such as direct injection to improve power and fuel economy.
Ford's strategy for alternative fuels is shaped around multiple technologies that include hydrogen internal combustion engines. Through this approach the company is able to meet its goals in terms of meeting up customer needs, environmental impact and even shareholder interests. However the strategy does not only focus on one catch all solution but offers a wide array of options that includes hybrids, E85 ethanol, clean diesels, bio-diesels, advanced engine and transmission technologies as well as hydrogen fuel cells.
The company has already created a fleet of 30 hydrogen powered Focus fuel cell vehicles that are now being used as part of a world-wide, seven-city program that aims to conduct real world testing of fuel cell technology. The 3-car fleet has already accumulated 500,000 miles of distance traveled since its introduction in 2005. 90,000 of the 500,000 miles have been recorded in Florida.
In addition, Ford---major stockholder of Mazda the producer of top-of-the-line Mazda AC condenser --- is also conducting tests with the world's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive. The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive makes use of a series electric drivetrain with an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator which gives the vehicle a range 255 miles with zero emissions.
At present, Ford is offering gasoline-electric hybrids that include the Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid which are being employed as taxis in some cities of US. The company will also launched hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan in 2008.
About the Author
Kraig Johanssen is a native of Connecticut and holds a degree in Software Engineering. He now works at a software development firm in Alabama. His love for writing and great interest on cars makes him a proficient contributing author to various automotive magazines.
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has marked the occasion at the Chevron Hydrogen station which will provide fuel for the eight buses that are powered by internal combustion engines that run exclusively on hydrogen.
Sue Cischke, Ford Senior Vice President for Sustainability, Environment, and Safety Engineering said, "These buses represent part of Ford Motor Company's strategy to deliver transportation solutions that emit less CO2 and reduce our dependence on oil. We are pleased to partner with the State of Florida, Progress Energy and Chevron Hydrogen to place these buses into service so that Central Florida residents will be able to experience this unique form of clean transportation."
Governor Charlie Crist has also expressed his gladness for the new hydrogen buses that they will be receiving. He said, "Today's event demonstrates the incredible level of support hydrogen technology is receiving from our nation's distinguished business leaders. Florida is excited to be a part of these revolutionary advancements and we are embracing the challenges that lie ahead. We are committed as state to be a leader in both the policies and projects that protect our economy and our environment."
The Ford E-450 shuttle buses are powered by a 6.8 liter V10 engine that been supercharged and fine tuned to run exclusively on hydrogen fuel. Of the eight F-450, two of which are to be used by the Greater Orlando Airport Authority (GOAA), and additional two are to be assigned for the Orlando Convention Central District. The remaining four are to be delivered to customers in Florida at a later date. Ford has already delivered five buses to Canada, three of which are in Ottawa while the other two are delivered in Vancouver late of 2006. All in all Ford will deliver a total of 30 buses to customers across North America by the end of this year.
The Ford E-450 shuttle buses in Florida are part of the state's broader plan to move toward a greater application of alternative fuels. And last year, Ford delivered five hybrid hydrogen Ford Focus Fuel Cell vehicles as part of a separate effort with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Progress Energy to gain feedback on hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The Technology behind the Internal Combustion Engine The Ford E-450 was based on the belief of Ford Motor Company that the hydrogen combustion engine technology can serve as a means of allowing hydrogen to become a viable alternative fuel. The use of hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines provides many advantages including high-efficiency, all-weather capability, and near zero emissions of regulated pollutants and greenhouse gases (CO2). And the best thing about hydrogen fueled internal combustion is the fact that they can be hybridized to boost further fuel efficiency.
To further enhance its hydrogen internal combustion engines, Ford is conducting additional research to create its next generation hydrogen internal combustion engines which will include features such as direct injection to improve power and fuel economy.
Ford's strategy for alternative fuels is shaped around multiple technologies that include hydrogen internal combustion engines. Through this approach the company is able to meet its goals in terms of meeting up customer needs, environmental impact and even shareholder interests. However the strategy does not only focus on one catch all solution but offers a wide array of options that includes hybrids, E85 ethanol, clean diesels, bio-diesels, advanced engine and transmission technologies as well as hydrogen fuel cells.
The company has already created a fleet of 30 hydrogen powered Focus fuel cell vehicles that are now being used as part of a world-wide, seven-city program that aims to conduct real world testing of fuel cell technology. The 3-car fleet has already accumulated 500,000 miles of distance traveled since its introduction in 2005. 90,000 of the 500,000 miles have been recorded in Florida.
In addition, Ford---major stockholder of Mazda the producer of top-of-the-line Mazda AC condenser --- is also conducting tests with the world's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive. The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive makes use of a series electric drivetrain with an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator which gives the vehicle a range 255 miles with zero emissions.
At present, Ford is offering gasoline-electric hybrids that include the Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid which are being employed as taxis in some cities of US. The company will also launched hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan in 2008.
About the Author
Kraig Johanssen is a native of Connecticut and holds a degree in Software Engineering. He now works at a software development firm in Alabama. His love for writing and great interest on cars makes him a proficient contributing author to various automotive magazines.
Ford Releases World's 1st Drivable Plug-In Fuel Cell Car in Vancouver by Evander Klum
Vancouver, Canada for the first time saw the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive, the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric car. This was part of a trip to showcase the advanced research car together with its most technologically advanced production car, the new 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid that is selling hotly since its introduction.
Combining an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator and lithium-ion batteries, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive yields combined 5.9 L/100km (41 mpg) city/highway gasoline equivalent fuel economy rating with zero emissions. The average reaches to over 3.0L /100 km (80 mpg) for those who drive less than 80 km (50 miles) each day.
The car's flexible power train architecture will enable Ford to use new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop without making any changes to the car.
The new HySeries Drive™ power train featured in a Ford Edge makes use of a real-world version of the power plant foreseen in the Ford Air stream concept that was released in January at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In the later part of its month of release, the Edge with HySeries Drive went on the road and has accumulated more than 8000 real-world km (5000 miles).
At all times, the plug-in hybrid is powered by a 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack. Each day, the vehicle drives the first 40 km (25 miles) on stored electricity alone. Then, the fuel cell begins to operate so that the battery pack is kept charged. For a total of 360 km (225 miles) with no emissions, this provides another 320 km (200 miles) of range. Those who drive modestly would need to refuel only rarely; those who drive less than 80 km (50 miles) each day will experience fuel economy well over 3.0 L /100 km (80 mpg); and those who drive longer everyday will receive lower numbers as the fuel cell must run a larger fraction of the time.
The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive can travel at a maximum speed of 136 km/h (85 mph). When a standard home outlet is available, an on--board charger (110/220 VAC) can refresh the battery pack. The hydrogen fuel cell automatically turns on and starts to generate electricity so that batteries will be recharged. This happens when the battery pack is deteriorated to approximately 40 percent. The vehicle will go until it runs out of fuel. This is made possible because of a 350-bar hydrogen tank that gives 4.5 kg of useable hydrogen.
The HySeries Drive name came from the power train's structure. It is a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered series hybrid drive train. By more than 50 percent, this minimizes the size, weight, cost and complexity of a usual fuel cell system. It also ensures the fuel cell stack's longer lifetime.
Its flexible power train design allows the use of new fuel and propulsion technologies. They develop and become available without requiring the vehicle and the control system's restructuring. The research on the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive is part of Ford's research on hydrogen. This encompasses Ford's overall effort to face the challenges of change in climate and independence in energy.
Maker of quality Ford Taurus performance parts , Ford is simultaneously moving ahead with an array of technology solutions including vehicles like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines, ethanol, clean diesel and refinements to gasoline fueled engines and advanced transmissions.
Ford's short term technological approaches include those seen in Ford's lineup of hybrid vehicles. On the other hand, its long term approaches include hydrogen fell cells.
Since early 1990, Ford began working on hydrogen technology. Its first ever fuel cell vehicle was released in 2001 and was patterned on a lightweight aluminum sedan body, which was also used in the company's development of its first hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.
Currently, the company is in a hurry to produce 30 hydrogen-powered Focus fuel cell vehicles as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real-world testing of fuel cell technology.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
Combining an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator and lithium-ion batteries, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive yields combined 5.9 L/100km (41 mpg) city/highway gasoline equivalent fuel economy rating with zero emissions. The average reaches to over 3.0L /100 km (80 mpg) for those who drive less than 80 km (50 miles) each day.
The car's flexible power train architecture will enable Ford to use new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop without making any changes to the car.
The new HySeries Drive™ power train featured in a Ford Edge makes use of a real-world version of the power plant foreseen in the Ford Air stream concept that was released in January at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In the later part of its month of release, the Edge with HySeries Drive went on the road and has accumulated more than 8000 real-world km (5000 miles).
At all times, the plug-in hybrid is powered by a 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack. Each day, the vehicle drives the first 40 km (25 miles) on stored electricity alone. Then, the fuel cell begins to operate so that the battery pack is kept charged. For a total of 360 km (225 miles) with no emissions, this provides another 320 km (200 miles) of range. Those who drive modestly would need to refuel only rarely; those who drive less than 80 km (50 miles) each day will experience fuel economy well over 3.0 L /100 km (80 mpg); and those who drive longer everyday will receive lower numbers as the fuel cell must run a larger fraction of the time.
The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive can travel at a maximum speed of 136 km/h (85 mph). When a standard home outlet is available, an on--board charger (110/220 VAC) can refresh the battery pack. The hydrogen fuel cell automatically turns on and starts to generate electricity so that batteries will be recharged. This happens when the battery pack is deteriorated to approximately 40 percent. The vehicle will go until it runs out of fuel. This is made possible because of a 350-bar hydrogen tank that gives 4.5 kg of useable hydrogen.
The HySeries Drive name came from the power train's structure. It is a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered series hybrid drive train. By more than 50 percent, this minimizes the size, weight, cost and complexity of a usual fuel cell system. It also ensures the fuel cell stack's longer lifetime.
Its flexible power train design allows the use of new fuel and propulsion technologies. They develop and become available without requiring the vehicle and the control system's restructuring. The research on the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive is part of Ford's research on hydrogen. This encompasses Ford's overall effort to face the challenges of change in climate and independence in energy.
Maker of quality Ford Taurus performance parts , Ford is simultaneously moving ahead with an array of technology solutions including vehicles like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines, ethanol, clean diesel and refinements to gasoline fueled engines and advanced transmissions.
Ford's short term technological approaches include those seen in Ford's lineup of hybrid vehicles. On the other hand, its long term approaches include hydrogen fell cells.
Since early 1990, Ford began working on hydrogen technology. Its first ever fuel cell vehicle was released in 2001 and was patterned on a lightweight aluminum sedan body, which was also used in the company's development of its first hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.
Currently, the company is in a hurry to produce 30 hydrogen-powered Focus fuel cell vehicles as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real-world testing of fuel cell technology.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
BMW Hydrogen 7 Invades The Streets by Anthony Fontanelle
Following its launch at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, a fleet of three BMW Hydrogen 7s will take part in the Revolve Brighton to London rally for low and zero-emission cars. The rally which is scheduled today will start on Madeira Drive in Brighton; the fleet of Hydrogen 7s will follow a pre-planned route ending at Trafalgar Square in London.
During the course of the event, HRH The Prince of Wales, a Government Minister, the Deputy Mayor of London, Nicky Gavron and a number of other dignitaries will be introduced to the world's first hydrogen-powered emissions-free luxury saloon car. After the rally, the BMW Hydrogen 7 will be displayed at the London Science Museum along with other history-significant vehicles.
"The use of the BMW Hydrogen 7 at the Revolve Brighton to London rally marks yet another step towards hydrogen powered cars becoming an everyday reality on the streets of this country. Zero emission motoring is no longer a dream and this car proves the technology isn't as far away as some sceptics may think," said John Hollis, the BMW Group Head of Government and Industrial Affairs.
He added, "We want to kick-start the debate about the future of personal mobility and the importance of hydrogen as the definitive fuel. The opinions of politicians and other influencers are important in driving this forward to ensure that hydrogen-power comes to fruition as soon as possible."
The BMW Hydrogen 7, which is based on the chassis of the standard 7-series, comes equipped with a bivalent internal combustion engine that is capable of running on hydrogen or gasoline. In hydrogen mode, the Hydrogen 7 emits nothing more than water vapor. Powered by a 260hp 12-cylinder engine, the saloon car accelerates from zero to 62mph in 9.5 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited 143mph top speed.
The driver can switch smoothly and quickly from hydrogen to conventional petrol power at the press of a steering wheel-mounted button with its unique dual fuel engine. The dual power technology means the car has a cruising range in excess of 125 miles in the hydrogen mode with a further 300 miles under gasoline power. The Hydrogen 7 is equipped with a BMW heater core, 74-litregasoline tank and an extra hydrogen fuel tank holding up to eight kilograms of liquid hydrogen which is stored at -253 degrees Celsius. Such flexibility means the driver of a BMW Hydrogen 7 is able to use the vehicle at all times, even when the nearest hydrogen filling station is out of range. In Wembley, a bespoke filling station has been constructed to support the automaker's plans.
Engine power and torque in the car saloon remain exactly the same notwithstanding the kind of fuel used. The driver can switch between the two without any effect on driving performance or behavior. The Hydrogen 7 always gives priority to the use of hydrogen but, should this run out; the vehicle automatically switches to gasoline power.
Unlike previous hydrogen concept cars flaunted by rival manufacturers the Hydrogen 7 is deemed a milestone in the auto history. It is a full production ready vehicle, which has met all the strict processes and final sign-off criteria that each present BMW model undergoes.
"A more efficient route for car makers would be to focus on high-mileage gasoline-powered vehicles. They are far simpler and less sexy than hydrogen cars, Mr. Talbot says, but for now they stack up as the cleaner option," the Wall Street Journal concluded.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
During the course of the event, HRH The Prince of Wales, a Government Minister, the Deputy Mayor of London, Nicky Gavron and a number of other dignitaries will be introduced to the world's first hydrogen-powered emissions-free luxury saloon car. After the rally, the BMW Hydrogen 7 will be displayed at the London Science Museum along with other history-significant vehicles.
"The use of the BMW Hydrogen 7 at the Revolve Brighton to London rally marks yet another step towards hydrogen powered cars becoming an everyday reality on the streets of this country. Zero emission motoring is no longer a dream and this car proves the technology isn't as far away as some sceptics may think," said John Hollis, the BMW Group Head of Government and Industrial Affairs.
He added, "We want to kick-start the debate about the future of personal mobility and the importance of hydrogen as the definitive fuel. The opinions of politicians and other influencers are important in driving this forward to ensure that hydrogen-power comes to fruition as soon as possible."
The BMW Hydrogen 7, which is based on the chassis of the standard 7-series, comes equipped with a bivalent internal combustion engine that is capable of running on hydrogen or gasoline. In hydrogen mode, the Hydrogen 7 emits nothing more than water vapor. Powered by a 260hp 12-cylinder engine, the saloon car accelerates from zero to 62mph in 9.5 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited 143mph top speed.
The driver can switch smoothly and quickly from hydrogen to conventional petrol power at the press of a steering wheel-mounted button with its unique dual fuel engine. The dual power technology means the car has a cruising range in excess of 125 miles in the hydrogen mode with a further 300 miles under gasoline power. The Hydrogen 7 is equipped with a BMW heater core, 74-litregasoline tank and an extra hydrogen fuel tank holding up to eight kilograms of liquid hydrogen which is stored at -253 degrees Celsius. Such flexibility means the driver of a BMW Hydrogen 7 is able to use the vehicle at all times, even when the nearest hydrogen filling station is out of range. In Wembley, a bespoke filling station has been constructed to support the automaker's plans.
Engine power and torque in the car saloon remain exactly the same notwithstanding the kind of fuel used. The driver can switch between the two without any effect on driving performance or behavior. The Hydrogen 7 always gives priority to the use of hydrogen but, should this run out; the vehicle automatically switches to gasoline power.
Unlike previous hydrogen concept cars flaunted by rival manufacturers the Hydrogen 7 is deemed a milestone in the auto history. It is a full production ready vehicle, which has met all the strict processes and final sign-off criteria that each present BMW model undergoes.
"A more efficient route for car makers would be to focus on high-mileage gasoline-powered vehicles. They are far simpler and less sexy than hydrogen cars, Mr. Talbot says, but for now they stack up as the cleaner option," the Wall Street Journal concluded.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
How Your Car or Truck Can Run On WATER by King J. For
NO WAY... IMPOSSIBLE... CRAZY... UNBELIEVABLE...
This were the words that kept coming out of my mouth when I first learnt about the possibility of powering my car with water. It just sounded too good to be true. And like you know about what is too good to be true, I thought it had to be too good to be true.
But I didn't have to doubt for too long because right there and then it was proved to be true. Not only is it possible to power my car on water, but the BEST news was that I could do it myself!
This isn't about buying a special and incredibly expensive car that was specifically made to be powered by water.
This isn't about buying some expensive device to attach to your car to reduce the consumption of gas.
Instead, this is a simple technology that you can use at home yourself to power your car!
How does it work?
Simple.
It's the simple putting together of home-made devices that use a little electricity out of your car's battery to separate water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). HHO, also known as Brown's Gas or Hydroxy, burns beautifully and by so doing provides TONS of energy.
And the beauty is that this pound for pound HHO gas is even much more potent than gasoline. In fact 3 times more potent than gasoline.
The fact that you build this together in your home makes it very interesting. To get started, simply arm yourself with the necessary information on how to do this and how it works. And with the Internet you can get free information by searching.
Finally, a word of caution however- don't expect to run your car on 100% water because that's not only very expensive but completely unpredictable. You will find such information, but I don't recommend it.
But if you desire an alternative that works to reduce your gas consumption USING WATER, it exists and it works!
About the Author
You can get all the completely FREE information on exactly how Water4Gas Technology works and how you can do it yourself, from the comfort of your home, by visiting Water Car Secrets . ==> http://www.WaterCarSecrets.com
This were the words that kept coming out of my mouth when I first learnt about the possibility of powering my car with water. It just sounded too good to be true. And like you know about what is too good to be true, I thought it had to be too good to be true.
But I didn't have to doubt for too long because right there and then it was proved to be true. Not only is it possible to power my car on water, but the BEST news was that I could do it myself!
This isn't about buying a special and incredibly expensive car that was specifically made to be powered by water.
This isn't about buying some expensive device to attach to your car to reduce the consumption of gas.
Instead, this is a simple technology that you can use at home yourself to power your car!
How does it work?
Simple.
It's the simple putting together of home-made devices that use a little electricity out of your car's battery to separate water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). HHO, also known as Brown's Gas or Hydroxy, burns beautifully and by so doing provides TONS of energy.
And the beauty is that this pound for pound HHO gas is even much more potent than gasoline. In fact 3 times more potent than gasoline.
The fact that you build this together in your home makes it very interesting. To get started, simply arm yourself with the necessary information on how to do this and how it works. And with the Internet you can get free information by searching.
Finally, a word of caution however- don't expect to run your car on 100% water because that's not only very expensive but completely unpredictable. You will find such information, but I don't recommend it.
But if you desire an alternative that works to reduce your gas consumption USING WATER, it exists and it works!
About the Author
You can get all the completely FREE information on exactly how Water4Gas Technology works and how you can do it yourself, from the comfort of your home, by visiting Water Car Secrets . ==> http://www.WaterCarSecrets.com
GM Readies Fuel Cell Technology for Future Production by Iver Penn
General Motors Corp. is looking to advance its fuel cell ambitions to another level by moving more than 500 fuel cell experts from advanced development laboratories to core engineering functions to prepare this technology for future production.
According to media reports, more than 400 fuel cell engineers are set to report to GM's Powertrain Group to begin production engineering of fuel cell systems. Another 100 will transfer to GM's Global Product Development organization to begin integrating fuel cells into future company vehicles. Finally, more than 150 fuel cell scientists and program support will remain as part of GM's Research and Development center to continue advanced research in hydrogen storage, fuel cells and program commercialization.
The move is aimed at speeding up the company's efforts to produce vehicles that displace petroleum through energy diversity.
According to Larry Burns, GM Vice President, Research and Development, "Eight years ago we said that hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle technology could make a major contribution to solving the energy and environmental challenges facing the automobile industry." The announcement, Burns adds, signals another important milestone as GM moves fuel cell vehicles closer to future production.
GM, maker of quality GMC window regulator, gave the details about its fifth-generation fuel cell system technology when it unveiled the fuel cell-powered E-Flex version of the Chevrolet Volt at the Shanghai Auto Show last April. This latest system is half the size of its predecessor, yet provides the same power and performance.
This realignment is yet another initiative in GM's commitment to displace petroleum usage in the auto industry through a range of propulsion alternatives, including:
* E85-capable biofuel vehicles - GM is a leading producer with more than 2 million on the road today
* GM's 2-mode hybrid system for large city buses
* GM's Hybrid System in the Saturn Vue Green Line and Saturn Aura Green Line
* Coming this fall, GM's 2-mode hybrid system in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs, which provides a more than 25-percent improvement in fuel economy to what is already the industry's most fuel-efficient large SUVs, with no compromises in performance or towing capability
* Due next year, a front-wheel-drive 2-mode Saturn Vue Green Line that is expected to deliver up to a 45-percent improvement in combined city and highway fuel economy compared with the current non-hybrid Vue, based on current federal test procedures
* Plans to produce a plug-in version of the 2-mode hybrid Vue Green Line that has the potential to achieve double the fuel efficiency of any current SUV
GM's fourth-generation system currently powers the Chevrolet Sequel and Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles. The Sequel recently went into the record books as the first electrically-driven fuel cell vehicle to achieve more than 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, in and out of traffic on public roads, while producing zero emissions. The Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell will be launched later this year as part of Project Driveway, which will place more than 100 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with consumers in New York, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
About the Author
Iver Penn is a Mass Communications graduate who hails from Wyoming. She is at present an associate editor of a publishing company in Colorado.
Rebuildable Export Cars 4sale
We resale repairable insurance autos.recovered thefts,collision cars,floods all late model
Salvage Repairable Autos & SUV
Elite's speciality is damaged,salvage, rebuildable & flood cars.all late model inventory.
According to media reports, more than 400 fuel cell engineers are set to report to GM's Powertrain Group to begin production engineering of fuel cell systems. Another 100 will transfer to GM's Global Product Development organization to begin integrating fuel cells into future company vehicles. Finally, more than 150 fuel cell scientists and program support will remain as part of GM's Research and Development center to continue advanced research in hydrogen storage, fuel cells and program commercialization.
The move is aimed at speeding up the company's efforts to produce vehicles that displace petroleum through energy diversity.
According to Larry Burns, GM Vice President, Research and Development, "Eight years ago we said that hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle technology could make a major contribution to solving the energy and environmental challenges facing the automobile industry." The announcement, Burns adds, signals another important milestone as GM moves fuel cell vehicles closer to future production.
GM, maker of quality GMC window regulator, gave the details about its fifth-generation fuel cell system technology when it unveiled the fuel cell-powered E-Flex version of the Chevrolet Volt at the Shanghai Auto Show last April. This latest system is half the size of its predecessor, yet provides the same power and performance.
This realignment is yet another initiative in GM's commitment to displace petroleum usage in the auto industry through a range of propulsion alternatives, including:
* E85-capable biofuel vehicles - GM is a leading producer with more than 2 million on the road today
* GM's 2-mode hybrid system for large city buses
* GM's Hybrid System in the Saturn Vue Green Line and Saturn Aura Green Line
* Coming this fall, GM's 2-mode hybrid system in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs, which provides a more than 25-percent improvement in fuel economy to what is already the industry's most fuel-efficient large SUVs, with no compromises in performance or towing capability
* Due next year, a front-wheel-drive 2-mode Saturn Vue Green Line that is expected to deliver up to a 45-percent improvement in combined city and highway fuel economy compared with the current non-hybrid Vue, based on current federal test procedures
* Plans to produce a plug-in version of the 2-mode hybrid Vue Green Line that has the potential to achieve double the fuel efficiency of any current SUV
GM's fourth-generation system currently powers the Chevrolet Sequel and Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles. The Sequel recently went into the record books as the first electrically-driven fuel cell vehicle to achieve more than 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, in and out of traffic on public roads, while producing zero emissions. The Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell will be launched later this year as part of Project Driveway, which will place more than 100 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with consumers in New York, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
About the Author
Iver Penn is a Mass Communications graduate who hails from Wyoming. She is at present an associate editor of a publishing company in Colorado.
Rebuildable Export Cars 4sale
We resale repairable insurance autos.recovered thefts,collision cars,floods all late model
Salvage Repairable Autos & SUV
Elite's speciality is damaged,salvage, rebuildable & flood cars.all late model inventory.
GM Exec: Hydrogen Powered Cars Could Be On the Road in 6 Years by Iver Penn
Soon hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles could be on the road with regular drivers behind the wheel in a few test areas. How soon? Within five or six years, according to Larry Burns, vice president of research and development for General Motors Corp. The GM official offered the prediction this week as the company announced that it has moved 500 fuel cell engineers and scientists from the laboratory side of the company into the chain of command that actually produces cars.
Burns said he's not yet willing to say exactly when hydrogen vehicles will be mass produced, but did say that it should happen before 2020, the year many experts have predicted.
"I sure would be disappointed if we weren't there before 2020," he said during a Wednesday interview with The Associated Press at his office in GM's sprawling technical center campus in the Detroit suburb of Warren. He also added that GM's organizational change, announced Friday, shows the company is confident enough in its research to take the step toward making the cars.
Burns compared GM's organizational change to when it moved its engineers working on hybrid gasoline-electric power systems from research to production in 2003. At that time GM had no hybrid models on the market -- now it has five, he said.
Hydrogen-powered fuel-cell cars use hydrogen to produce electricity that fuels an electric motor. They are quieter than gasoline engines and their only waste product is water. The benefits of this technology are reduced dependence on petroleum for transportation as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Virtually every automaker is testing hydrogen-powered vehicles, with Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. considered the furthest along.
Government and industry experts have said that there are many obstacles to widespread use of hydrogen-powered cars, ranging from high costs and a lack of fueling stations to the need for improved storage capacity and better range.
GM workers will not physically move from their three U.S. locations and one site in Germany. But Burns said the structural change is important in GM's quest for leadership in the race to bring a fuel-cell electric vehicle into mass production. A small group will stay in research to develop longer-term technology.
GM - which also is maker of quality GMC shock absorber - already has hand-built the Sequel, a hydrogen-powered crossover sport utility vehicle with a range of about 300 miles. It was driven safely on public roads during a recent trip in upstate New York. Engineers still need to reduce the costs though to make fuel cell vehicles marketable, Burns said.
The company also plans to place more than 100 fuel cell-powered vehicles with consumers in New York, Washington and Los Angeles later this year.
Once the wider testing areas are set up and engineers can check real-world performance, Burns said he expects fuel cell vehicles and the necessary filling stations to spread gradually throughout the world.
About the Author
Iver Penn is a Mass Communications graduate who hails from Wyoming. She is at present an associate editor of a publishing company in Colorado.
Burns said he's not yet willing to say exactly when hydrogen vehicles will be mass produced, but did say that it should happen before 2020, the year many experts have predicted.
"I sure would be disappointed if we weren't there before 2020," he said during a Wednesday interview with The Associated Press at his office in GM's sprawling technical center campus in the Detroit suburb of Warren. He also added that GM's organizational change, announced Friday, shows the company is confident enough in its research to take the step toward making the cars.
Burns compared GM's organizational change to when it moved its engineers working on hybrid gasoline-electric power systems from research to production in 2003. At that time GM had no hybrid models on the market -- now it has five, he said.
Hydrogen-powered fuel-cell cars use hydrogen to produce electricity that fuels an electric motor. They are quieter than gasoline engines and their only waste product is water. The benefits of this technology are reduced dependence on petroleum for transportation as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Virtually every automaker is testing hydrogen-powered vehicles, with Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. considered the furthest along.
Government and industry experts have said that there are many obstacles to widespread use of hydrogen-powered cars, ranging from high costs and a lack of fueling stations to the need for improved storage capacity and better range.
GM workers will not physically move from their three U.S. locations and one site in Germany. But Burns said the structural change is important in GM's quest for leadership in the race to bring a fuel-cell electric vehicle into mass production. A small group will stay in research to develop longer-term technology.
GM - which also is maker of quality GMC shock absorber - already has hand-built the Sequel, a hydrogen-powered crossover sport utility vehicle with a range of about 300 miles. It was driven safely on public roads during a recent trip in upstate New York. Engineers still need to reduce the costs though to make fuel cell vehicles marketable, Burns said.
The company also plans to place more than 100 fuel cell-powered vehicles with consumers in New York, Washington and Los Angeles later this year.
Once the wider testing areas are set up and engineers can check real-world performance, Burns said he expects fuel cell vehicles and the necessary filling stations to spread gradually throughout the world.
About the Author
Iver Penn is a Mass Communications graduate who hails from Wyoming. She is at present an associate editor of a publishing company in Colorado.
Is Running Your Car on 100% Water Possible? by King J. For
The need for alternative ways of powering our vehicles has become very critical. The ever-increasing cost of fuel, not only in the United States but all over the world has led to the outcry for an alternative.
The search for more fuel has even led to deaths and unnecessary wars, like the Iraq war. There is the need for alternatives to fuel for powering our vehicles.
If you have been following such issues for sometime you obviously would have heard from certain quarters of the possibility of running your car on 100% water, right?
While such "dreams" is the way we want things to be in the future, it's NOT YET POSSIBLE to power your car on 100% water... without serious complications.
So, yes, it's indeed possible to power your car on 100% water, but such ways are not only complicated but seriously expensive and completely unpredictable.
Looking at such ways critically one might end up spending even more than using the usual fuel for powering vehicles. Even worse, pressurized Hydrogen in cars and gas stations (which can be said to be one form of 100% water cars) is a serious safety hazard.
The best alternative to fuel is for you to make your own low-cost hybrid car that will run on water and gas, thereby saving you huge costs you would have spent using only gas.
In other words - Hydrogen-On-Demand system where you run your car on Hydrogen WHEN you need it!
Yes, such technology are now possible. And the best news is that you don't have to buy cars that are already made this way (in fact none exists for sale that are made this way). Instead, you can turn any car you have into such a low-cost hybrid car, if you are armed with the necessary information.
Finally, you can get such information completely free on the Internet. But without having access to the right knowledge regarding this, you might end up with junk information, after spending endless days searching.
So, it's best to get your information on how to make your own low-cost hybrid car from the right source.
About the Author
To get involved in knowing all there is to know and in learning how to POWER YOUR CAR WITH WATER for FREE, visit Water for Gas Secrets ==> http://www.WaterCarSecrets.com
Rebuildable Export Cars 4sale
We resale repairable insurance autos.recovered thefts,collision cars,floods all late model
Salvage Repairable Autos & SUV
Elite's speciality is damaged,salvage, rebuildable & flood cars.all late model inventory.
The search for more fuel has even led to deaths and unnecessary wars, like the Iraq war. There is the need for alternatives to fuel for powering our vehicles.
If you have been following such issues for sometime you obviously would have heard from certain quarters of the possibility of running your car on 100% water, right?
While such "dreams" is the way we want things to be in the future, it's NOT YET POSSIBLE to power your car on 100% water... without serious complications.
So, yes, it's indeed possible to power your car on 100% water, but such ways are not only complicated but seriously expensive and completely unpredictable.
Looking at such ways critically one might end up spending even more than using the usual fuel for powering vehicles. Even worse, pressurized Hydrogen in cars and gas stations (which can be said to be one form of 100% water cars) is a serious safety hazard.
The best alternative to fuel is for you to make your own low-cost hybrid car that will run on water and gas, thereby saving you huge costs you would have spent using only gas.
In other words - Hydrogen-On-Demand system where you run your car on Hydrogen WHEN you need it!
Yes, such technology are now possible. And the best news is that you don't have to buy cars that are already made this way (in fact none exists for sale that are made this way). Instead, you can turn any car you have into such a low-cost hybrid car, if you are armed with the necessary information.
Finally, you can get such information completely free on the Internet. But without having access to the right knowledge regarding this, you might end up with junk information, after spending endless days searching.
So, it's best to get your information on how to make your own low-cost hybrid car from the right source.
About the Author
To get involved in knowing all there is to know and in learning how to POWER YOUR CAR WITH WATER for FREE, visit Water for Gas Secrets ==> http://www.WaterCarSecrets.com
Rebuildable Export Cars 4sale
We resale repairable insurance autos.recovered thefts,collision cars,floods all late model
Salvage Repairable Autos & SUV
Elite's speciality is damaged,salvage, rebuildable & flood cars.all late model inventory.
GM Readies Fuel Cell Technology by Anthony Fontanelle
General Motors has announced it is moving more than 500 fuel cell experts from advanced development laboratories to core engineering functions to prepare fuel cell technology for future production.
Over 400 fuel cell engineers will report to the company's Powertrain Group to start production engineering of fuel cell systems. The automaker added that 100 workers will transfer to GM's Global Product Development organization to begin integrating fuel cells into future product lines. Additionally, over 150 fuel cell scientists and program support will remain as part of the automaker's Research and Development center. They will continue advanced research in hydrogen storage, fuel cells and program commercialization. The decision of the largest American automaker is aimed at expediting its efforts to produce vehicles that displace petroleum through energy diversity.
GM Vice President Research and Development and Strategic Planning Larry Burns stands with the company's E-Flex Fuel Cell variant. "Eight years ago we said that hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle technology could make a major contribution to solving the energy and environmental challenges facing the automobile industry," said Burns. "Today's announcement signals another important milestone as we move fuel cell vehicles closer to future production."
"Moving our fuel cell experts from advanced development laboratories to our core engineering organizations highlights our strong commitment to developing electrically-driven vehicles using diverse energy sources" said Tom Stephens, the GM Group Vice President of Global Powertrain.
The GM realignment is another initiative in its commitment to displace petroleum usage in the industry through a range of propulsion alternatives. The alternatives include the E85-capable biofuel vehicles, two-mode hybrid system for large city buses, a two-mode hybrid system for the Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon, the Saturn Vue Green Line and Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid Systems, and a two-mode hybrid Vue Green Line.
The largest American automaker shared details about its fifth-generation fuel cell system technology at the Shanghai Auto Show in April when it introduced the fuel cell-powered E-Flex version of the Chevrolet Volt. This updated system is half the size of its forerunner but delivers the same performance and power. The Volt may not be flaunting the Chevrolet Camaro heat shield but it features the most advanced technology in the auto industry. The Volt is expected to be released a few years from now.
Currently, the company's fourth-generation system powers the Chevrolet Sequel and Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles. The Sequel is the first electrically-driven fuel cell vehicle to achieve over 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, in and out of traffic on public roads, while generating zero emissions. The Equinox Fuel Cell will be introduced later this year as part of Project Driveway, which will place over 100 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with consumers in New York, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
Leading the fuel cell engineering team is Dr. J. Byron McCormick, the current executive director of GM Fuel Cell Activities. McCormick will report simultaneously to Dan Hancock, the GM Powertrain Vice President for Global Engineering, and John Buttermore, the GM Powertrain Vice President for Global Manufacturing.
McCormick has been working on electric and fuel cell propulsion system research and development for more than three decades. He was part of the development of the EV-1 electric vehicle. In the past decade, he has led the GM fuel cell activities team to becoming the leader in fuel cell technology worldwide.
GM offers more vehicles that achieve 30 mpg on the highway than any other automaker in the U.S. market. Additionally, the company is also the first automotive member to join the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a group of global companies and non-governmental organizations formed to back an campaigns aimed at limiting carbon emissions.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Over 400 fuel cell engineers will report to the company's Powertrain Group to start production engineering of fuel cell systems. The automaker added that 100 workers will transfer to GM's Global Product Development organization to begin integrating fuel cells into future product lines. Additionally, over 150 fuel cell scientists and program support will remain as part of the automaker's Research and Development center. They will continue advanced research in hydrogen storage, fuel cells and program commercialization. The decision of the largest American automaker is aimed at expediting its efforts to produce vehicles that displace petroleum through energy diversity.
GM Vice President Research and Development and Strategic Planning Larry Burns stands with the company's E-Flex Fuel Cell variant. "Eight years ago we said that hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle technology could make a major contribution to solving the energy and environmental challenges facing the automobile industry," said Burns. "Today's announcement signals another important milestone as we move fuel cell vehicles closer to future production."
"Moving our fuel cell experts from advanced development laboratories to our core engineering organizations highlights our strong commitment to developing electrically-driven vehicles using diverse energy sources" said Tom Stephens, the GM Group Vice President of Global Powertrain.
The GM realignment is another initiative in its commitment to displace petroleum usage in the industry through a range of propulsion alternatives. The alternatives include the E85-capable biofuel vehicles, two-mode hybrid system for large city buses, a two-mode hybrid system for the Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon, the Saturn Vue Green Line and Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid Systems, and a two-mode hybrid Vue Green Line.
The largest American automaker shared details about its fifth-generation fuel cell system technology at the Shanghai Auto Show in April when it introduced the fuel cell-powered E-Flex version of the Chevrolet Volt. This updated system is half the size of its forerunner but delivers the same performance and power. The Volt may not be flaunting the Chevrolet Camaro heat shield but it features the most advanced technology in the auto industry. The Volt is expected to be released a few years from now.
Currently, the company's fourth-generation system powers the Chevrolet Sequel and Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles. The Sequel is the first electrically-driven fuel cell vehicle to achieve over 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, in and out of traffic on public roads, while generating zero emissions. The Equinox Fuel Cell will be introduced later this year as part of Project Driveway, which will place over 100 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with consumers in New York, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
Leading the fuel cell engineering team is Dr. J. Byron McCormick, the current executive director of GM Fuel Cell Activities. McCormick will report simultaneously to Dan Hancock, the GM Powertrain Vice President for Global Engineering, and John Buttermore, the GM Powertrain Vice President for Global Manufacturing.
McCormick has been working on electric and fuel cell propulsion system research and development for more than three decades. He was part of the development of the EV-1 electric vehicle. In the past decade, he has led the GM fuel cell activities team to becoming the leader in fuel cell technology worldwide.
GM offers more vehicles that achieve 30 mpg on the highway than any other automaker in the U.S. market. Additionally, the company is also the first automotive member to join the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a group of global companies and non-governmental organizations formed to back an campaigns aimed at limiting carbon emissions.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
How To Save Gas Cost By Running Your Car or Truck On Water by King J. For
When you look closely at such 100% water driven technology, one ends up spending even more than using the usual fuel for powering vehicles.
So, the method I recommend for powering your car with water that will save you cost of fuel is to make your own low-cost hybrid car that will run on water and gas, thereby saving you huge costs you would have spent using only gas.
In other words - Hydrogen-On-Demand system where you run your car on Hydrogen WHEN you need it!
Note that I am not saying you should build a car from scratch that will run on water. Not at all. This instead is about constructing simple devices that will enable your car to run on water as well as gas. You don't have to alter your car make-up or get a new car. The technology can work with almost any car or truck.
In simple words, this technology involves putting together home-made devices that use a little electricity out of your car's battery to separate water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). HHO, also known as Brown's Gas or Hydroxy, burns beautifully and by so doing provides TONS of energy.
And the most remarkable beauty is that this pound for pound HHO gas is even much more potent than gasoline. In fact 3 times more potent than gasoline.
By using such cars you effectively save money that would have been spent on fuel for your car. It is estimated that this could save you as much as $897.40 per year. If you are two, three or four drivers in the family, this yearly savings increases dramatically. And what if you have a fleet of 50 drivers in your company? Then your yearly savings will multiply to $44,870.
About the Author
To learn more about water for gas technology and how you too can build your own water for gas powered car, visit Water Powered Car or Truck Secrets for all the SECRETS of Water Car Technology ==> http://www.WaterCarSecrets.com
So, the method I recommend for powering your car with water that will save you cost of fuel is to make your own low-cost hybrid car that will run on water and gas, thereby saving you huge costs you would have spent using only gas.
In other words - Hydrogen-On-Demand system where you run your car on Hydrogen WHEN you need it!
Note that I am not saying you should build a car from scratch that will run on water. Not at all. This instead is about constructing simple devices that will enable your car to run on water as well as gas. You don't have to alter your car make-up or get a new car. The technology can work with almost any car or truck.
In simple words, this technology involves putting together home-made devices that use a little electricity out of your car's battery to separate water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). HHO, also known as Brown's Gas or Hydroxy, burns beautifully and by so doing provides TONS of energy.
And the most remarkable beauty is that this pound for pound HHO gas is even much more potent than gasoline. In fact 3 times more potent than gasoline.
By using such cars you effectively save money that would have been spent on fuel for your car. It is estimated that this could save you as much as $897.40 per year. If you are two, three or four drivers in the family, this yearly savings increases dramatically. And what if you have a fleet of 50 drivers in your company? Then your yearly savings will multiply to $44,870.
About the Author
To learn more about water for gas technology and how you too can build your own water for gas powered car, visit Water Powered Car or Truck Secrets for all the SECRETS of Water Car Technology ==> http://www.WaterCarSecrets.com
General Motors To Market Fuel Cell Vehicles by Mike Bartley
After several years of intensive research and development, the General Motors Corp. said that it now is ready to focus on producing hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles for the mass market. The automaker earlier announced that it will reassign more than 500 engineers working on fuel cells and fuel cell vehicle development from its research operation to its powertrain and global engineering divisions.
The automaker has concentrated on hydrogen as a viable element. Nowadays, the element is used extensively to make methanol, ammonia, heating oil, fertilizers, glass, refined metals, gasoline, rocket fuel, vitamins, cosmetics, semiconductor circuits, soaps, lubricants, and more. Additionally, it can fuel internal combustion engine vehicles as well as fuel cell vehicles. Virtually, auto giants are racing to manufacture fuel cell vehicles.
GM said that reassigning the engineers signals production of commercially viable hydrogen vehicles may be only a few years away, though many scientists and others remain skeptical. "This says, 'Not only have we done it in a lab, we're ready to do it for real,'" said Larry Burns, GM's vice president for research and development. "We have worked on this fuel cell technology long enough and hard enough to be able to start to move this into production."
The employees, mostly at GM facilities outside Rochester, N.Y., and Mainz-Kastel, Germany, will now report to leaders on the manufacturing department. But 150 workers will remain on the research department.
GM will now focus on getting fuel cells into vehicles and making sure they meet safety and durability requirements. The largest American automaker intends to use fuel cells in its Chevrolet Volt. The Volt, which debuted as a plug-in hybrid at the Detroit auto show, is designed to run on a lithium ion battery which would be paired to a hydrogen fuel cell system and other power sources.
"It's a real vote of confidence to see how much progress we've made," said Britta Gross, GM's manager of fuel cell commercialization at GM's Tech Center in Warren. "More of the top leadership is getting engaged. This is exactly what makes a program real."
Critics said that the focus on hydrogen-powered vehicles is diverting attention and resources away from more immediate efforts to making internal combustion engines cleaner and more efficient. And even automakers realize it will be a while before many average Americans are driving them. It will not be a swift change assisted by Hypertech - it is something gradual.
Hydrogen cars for the everyday driver remain years, if not decades, away, said Bill Reinert, Toyota's U.S. advanced technology chief. Toyota is developing a hydrogen vehicle and has about 20 test cars on the road at any given time. Reinert believes that the obstacles are too great to produce more than a few thousands cars and trucks by the end of the decade. Only a major event such as a fundamental change in U.S. energy policy or a failure of the nation's gasoline system would speed up hydrogen's entry into the mass market, he said.
"Hydrogen is probably the gold standard that we'd like to achieve. The fact of the matter is that the market won't be ready nor will the infrastructure be ready," noted Reinert.
"They can come out with these vehicles tomorrow, but can they come out with ones that will meet the demands of 99 percent of the public?" said Spencer Quong, a senior vehicle analysts for the Union of Concerned Scientists, which lobbies for more environmentally friendly vehicles. "Infrastructure is going to be a much bigger issue than people are being led to believe."
The DaimlerChrysler AG and the Honda Motor Co. also tout their next generation hydrogen fuel cell product lines.
About the Author
Mike Bartley, 49, is a professional automotive journalist domiciled in Irvine, CA. He travels from one state to another to cover the hottest auto shows, racing events and automotive revelations. His penned compositions cover press releases, reviews, and suggestions. Where the auto action is, that's exactly where you can find Mike.
The automaker has concentrated on hydrogen as a viable element. Nowadays, the element is used extensively to make methanol, ammonia, heating oil, fertilizers, glass, refined metals, gasoline, rocket fuel, vitamins, cosmetics, semiconductor circuits, soaps, lubricants, and more. Additionally, it can fuel internal combustion engine vehicles as well as fuel cell vehicles. Virtually, auto giants are racing to manufacture fuel cell vehicles.
GM said that reassigning the engineers signals production of commercially viable hydrogen vehicles may be only a few years away, though many scientists and others remain skeptical. "This says, 'Not only have we done it in a lab, we're ready to do it for real,'" said Larry Burns, GM's vice president for research and development. "We have worked on this fuel cell technology long enough and hard enough to be able to start to move this into production."
The employees, mostly at GM facilities outside Rochester, N.Y., and Mainz-Kastel, Germany, will now report to leaders on the manufacturing department. But 150 workers will remain on the research department.
GM will now focus on getting fuel cells into vehicles and making sure they meet safety and durability requirements. The largest American automaker intends to use fuel cells in its Chevrolet Volt. The Volt, which debuted as a plug-in hybrid at the Detroit auto show, is designed to run on a lithium ion battery which would be paired to a hydrogen fuel cell system and other power sources.
"It's a real vote of confidence to see how much progress we've made," said Britta Gross, GM's manager of fuel cell commercialization at GM's Tech Center in Warren. "More of the top leadership is getting engaged. This is exactly what makes a program real."
Critics said that the focus on hydrogen-powered vehicles is diverting attention and resources away from more immediate efforts to making internal combustion engines cleaner and more efficient. And even automakers realize it will be a while before many average Americans are driving them. It will not be a swift change assisted by Hypertech - it is something gradual.
Hydrogen cars for the everyday driver remain years, if not decades, away, said Bill Reinert, Toyota's U.S. advanced technology chief. Toyota is developing a hydrogen vehicle and has about 20 test cars on the road at any given time. Reinert believes that the obstacles are too great to produce more than a few thousands cars and trucks by the end of the decade. Only a major event such as a fundamental change in U.S. energy policy or a failure of the nation's gasoline system would speed up hydrogen's entry into the mass market, he said.
"Hydrogen is probably the gold standard that we'd like to achieve. The fact of the matter is that the market won't be ready nor will the infrastructure be ready," noted Reinert.
"They can come out with these vehicles tomorrow, but can they come out with ones that will meet the demands of 99 percent of the public?" said Spencer Quong, a senior vehicle analysts for the Union of Concerned Scientists, which lobbies for more environmentally friendly vehicles. "Infrastructure is going to be a much bigger issue than people are being led to believe."
The DaimlerChrysler AG and the Honda Motor Co. also tout their next generation hydrogen fuel cell product lines.
About the Author
Mike Bartley, 49, is a professional automotive journalist domiciled in Irvine, CA. He travels from one state to another to cover the hottest auto shows, racing events and automotive revelations. His penned compositions cover press releases, reviews, and suggestions. Where the auto action is, that's exactly where you can find Mike.
Bush Views Fuel Cell Powered Lift Truck At GrafTech by Anthony Fontanelle
President George W. Bush viewed Wednesday a demonstration of a fuel cell powered lift truck while touring the GrafTech International Ltd. facility in Parma, Ohio.
GrafTech manufactures graphite material for the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power unit created by Cellex Power Products Inc., a subsidiary of Plug Power Inc. The Cellex fuel cell system provides clean, reliable power for electric lift trucks made by Crown Equipment Corporation. Representatives from both companies participated in yesterday's tour and lift truck demonstration.
GrafTech is one of the world's biggest manufacturers of high quality synthetic and natural graphite as well as carbon based products. The company manufactures graphite electrodes; products which are essential to the production of electric arc furnace steel.
GrafTech Chief Executive Officer Craig Shular has this to say: "It is an honor for GrafTech to host President Bush. Our team's collaboration with Cellex and Crown has been crucial in gaining support for the early adaptation of what we believe represents a significant growth opportunity in fuel cell power generation."
Crown, headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer of electric lift trucks in the United States and the fifth biggest lift truck maker in the world. The company's award- winning line of lift trucks has etched a reputation for outstanding product design, engineering and manufacturing. From the smallest hand pallet truck to the highest lifting turret truck, Crown seeks to provide users with safe, efficient and ergonomic lift trucks that lower total cost of ownership and maximize uptime.
"As a technology leader in the lift truck industry, Crown is actively participating in and supporting the development of alternative fuels that provide power savings for our customers," said Crown President Jim Dicke, III. "Crown has been working closely with Cellex for many years to find the right balance of fuel cells, amount of fuel, weight requirements and other factors to give lift truck customers the performance they expect."
Fuel cells offer an ideal value proposition within the $1.5 billion motive power market to operators of large warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers. With fleets consist of hundreds of lift trucks, these operations can benefit from centralized maintenance and fueling infrastructures.
The Cellex Power system offers value to purchasers via increased productivity and diminished fueling time and cost, as well as the eradication of environmental and safety issues linked to conventional lead acid batteries. Adoption in the lift truck market is expected to pave the way for development of other markets on the path toward a hydrogen economy and increased energy independence.
The fuel cell power system from Cellex Power was used to power a Crown model PE End-Controlled Rider Pallet Truck. The Cellex fuel cell contains a fuel cell stack supplied by Ballard Power Systems of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, which incorporates GrafTech's GRAFCELL(R) material as a primary component.
"President Bush's visit marked an excellent opportunity to showcase how fuel cells can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to batteries for material handling needs in warehouses and distribution centers," said Chris Reid, Cellex Power's President. "Supply chain partners such as GrafTech and Crown are vital in building a strong foundation for the widespread application of fuel cell systems."
President Bush has graced several demonstrations of environment-friendly vehicles including the Chevrolet Volt and other flex-fuel vehicles. And the industry is absorbed in making it big. In the near future, auto shoppers could expect that Chevrolet Cavalier cargo carrier will cram a flex-fuel vehicle.
Plug Power, a leader in providing clean, reliable on-site energy products, recently purchased Cellex Power and General Hydrogen Corporation as part of its strategic business initiative.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
GrafTech manufactures graphite material for the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power unit created by Cellex Power Products Inc., a subsidiary of Plug Power Inc. The Cellex fuel cell system provides clean, reliable power for electric lift trucks made by Crown Equipment Corporation. Representatives from both companies participated in yesterday's tour and lift truck demonstration.
GrafTech is one of the world's biggest manufacturers of high quality synthetic and natural graphite as well as carbon based products. The company manufactures graphite electrodes; products which are essential to the production of electric arc furnace steel.
GrafTech Chief Executive Officer Craig Shular has this to say: "It is an honor for GrafTech to host President Bush. Our team's collaboration with Cellex and Crown has been crucial in gaining support for the early adaptation of what we believe represents a significant growth opportunity in fuel cell power generation."
Crown, headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer of electric lift trucks in the United States and the fifth biggest lift truck maker in the world. The company's award- winning line of lift trucks has etched a reputation for outstanding product design, engineering and manufacturing. From the smallest hand pallet truck to the highest lifting turret truck, Crown seeks to provide users with safe, efficient and ergonomic lift trucks that lower total cost of ownership and maximize uptime.
"As a technology leader in the lift truck industry, Crown is actively participating in and supporting the development of alternative fuels that provide power savings for our customers," said Crown President Jim Dicke, III. "Crown has been working closely with Cellex for many years to find the right balance of fuel cells, amount of fuel, weight requirements and other factors to give lift truck customers the performance they expect."
Fuel cells offer an ideal value proposition within the $1.5 billion motive power market to operators of large warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers. With fleets consist of hundreds of lift trucks, these operations can benefit from centralized maintenance and fueling infrastructures.
The Cellex Power system offers value to purchasers via increased productivity and diminished fueling time and cost, as well as the eradication of environmental and safety issues linked to conventional lead acid batteries. Adoption in the lift truck market is expected to pave the way for development of other markets on the path toward a hydrogen economy and increased energy independence.
The fuel cell power system from Cellex Power was used to power a Crown model PE End-Controlled Rider Pallet Truck. The Cellex fuel cell contains a fuel cell stack supplied by Ballard Power Systems of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, which incorporates GrafTech's GRAFCELL(R) material as a primary component.
"President Bush's visit marked an excellent opportunity to showcase how fuel cells can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to batteries for material handling needs in warehouses and distribution centers," said Chris Reid, Cellex Power's President. "Supply chain partners such as GrafTech and Crown are vital in building a strong foundation for the widespread application of fuel cell systems."
President Bush has graced several demonstrations of environment-friendly vehicles including the Chevrolet Volt and other flex-fuel vehicles. And the industry is absorbed in making it big. In the near future, auto shoppers could expect that Chevrolet Cavalier cargo carrier will cram a flex-fuel vehicle.
Plug Power, a leader in providing clean, reliable on-site energy products, recently purchased Cellex Power and General Hydrogen Corporation as part of its strategic business initiative.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
They laughed when I said One Day Cars Would Run On Water... Guess Who's laughing now by King J. For
Many years ago I remarked to my friends during one of our chatting sessions- "One day cars will run on water". I can still remember how they all laughed at me as if I was crazy. Among them was someone who knew so much about the mechanics of a car and how it works. He was the one that laughed the loudest and took time to explain to us, especially me, how it wasn't possible for cars to EVER run on water, even 30% water.
I wish I could see his face right now while demonstrating the water car technology to him. For the rest of my friends who were there that day that I still contact, they are so filled with shame for ever laughing at me that day.
If you know anyone that has also doubted the workability of the water car technology, tell them that not only is it now workable but anyone can make it work from the comfort of their home.
That's right. The water car technology can be made workable by just about anyone, who has access to the right information and the right devices needed.
How exactly this water car technology works?
This water car technology is the use of simple technology of putting together of home-made devices that use a little electricity out of your car's battery to separate water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). HHO, also known as Brown's Gas or Hydroxy, burns beautifully and by so doing provides TONS of energy.
And the most remarkable beauty is that this pound for pound HHO gas is even much more potent than gasoline. In fact 3 times more potent than gasoline.
To get started, learn more about how this works and how you too can do it yourself on your car. With the power of the Internet you can find this information for free. When you arm yourself with this information you will be amazed at how easy it can be to make this water car technology work for you.
About the Author
To learn more about water for gas technology and how you too can build your own water for gas powered car, visit Water Powered Car or Truck Secrets for all the SECRETS of Water Car Technology ==> http://www.WaterCarSecrets.com
I wish I could see his face right now while demonstrating the water car technology to him. For the rest of my friends who were there that day that I still contact, they are so filled with shame for ever laughing at me that day.
If you know anyone that has also doubted the workability of the water car technology, tell them that not only is it now workable but anyone can make it work from the comfort of their home.
That's right. The water car technology can be made workable by just about anyone, who has access to the right information and the right devices needed.
How exactly this water car technology works?
This water car technology is the use of simple technology of putting together of home-made devices that use a little electricity out of your car's battery to separate water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). HHO, also known as Brown's Gas or Hydroxy, burns beautifully and by so doing provides TONS of energy.
And the most remarkable beauty is that this pound for pound HHO gas is even much more potent than gasoline. In fact 3 times more potent than gasoline.
To get started, learn more about how this works and how you too can do it yourself on your car. With the power of the Internet you can find this information for free. When you arm yourself with this information you will be amazed at how easy it can be to make this water car technology work for you.
About the Author
To learn more about water for gas technology and how you too can build your own water for gas powered car, visit Water Powered Car or Truck Secrets for all the SECRETS of Water Car Technology ==> http://www.WaterCarSecrets.com
Environmental and Health Aspects of Hydrogen Cars by Bob Jent
Hydrogen is the only fuel that is low to zero emission for vehicles. The only by-product of these cars is water vapor. Natural gas and coal are used to produce hydrogen today but in the future hydrogen will come almost entirely from renewable resources. There is a scarcity of renewable resource generation today and its high cost make natural gas from companies like Western Pipeline Corporation, the solution for hydrogen production in the near future.
Potential renewable energy resources to produce hydrogen are: wind, hydro, solar, geothermal and biomass. Hydrogen is generated by wind and solar generated electricity produced by electrolysis. If hydrogen used in hydrogen cars is created from water the energy produced makes a closed loop because the waste product is also water. Low emission of air pollutants is a key benefit of hydrogen fuel cell usage resulting in improved respiratory health particularly in urban areas that have poor air quality. Seniors and children are especially vulnerable. Air pollution can trigger attacks in people who suffer from asthma. Symptoms can increase for anyone with chronic lung, heart or circulatory conditions.
A detailed study from Stanford University revealed that up to 6,400 lives could be saved each year if all U.S. current vehicles were converted to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. When hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels it also produces greenhouse gases in carbon dioxide. However, gasoline combustion engines also produce carbon monoxide, smog-inducing nitrogen oxides and ozone and create microscopic soot particles. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that fossil-fuel automobiles emit 1 ½ billion tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year. If we were to move completely to hydrogen based automobiles we would eliminate over 95% of these greenhouse gases.
There would also be reduced crop damage because the use of fuel cells will reduce acid rain and ground-level ozone concentrations. Noise pollution will be reduced because fuel cells run quietly. Groundwater contamination will be reduced because fuel cells do not use motor oil and leaks from gasoline storage tanks may also be reduced.
There is worldwide interest in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Governments in the United States, Europe and Japan are committing over $7 billion in the next few years to fuel cell technology development. Europe and Japan will be earlier adopters of this technology than the United States because they can experience more immediate benefits environmentally and economically. The reduction of greenhouse gases and air pollution by nations around the world through the use of hydrogen cars will contribute to improved health for everyone.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
Potential renewable energy resources to produce hydrogen are: wind, hydro, solar, geothermal and biomass. Hydrogen is generated by wind and solar generated electricity produced by electrolysis. If hydrogen used in hydrogen cars is created from water the energy produced makes a closed loop because the waste product is also water. Low emission of air pollutants is a key benefit of hydrogen fuel cell usage resulting in improved respiratory health particularly in urban areas that have poor air quality. Seniors and children are especially vulnerable. Air pollution can trigger attacks in people who suffer from asthma. Symptoms can increase for anyone with chronic lung, heart or circulatory conditions.
A detailed study from Stanford University revealed that up to 6,400 lives could be saved each year if all U.S. current vehicles were converted to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. When hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels it also produces greenhouse gases in carbon dioxide. However, gasoline combustion engines also produce carbon monoxide, smog-inducing nitrogen oxides and ozone and create microscopic soot particles. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that fossil-fuel automobiles emit 1 ½ billion tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year. If we were to move completely to hydrogen based automobiles we would eliminate over 95% of these greenhouse gases.
There would also be reduced crop damage because the use of fuel cells will reduce acid rain and ground-level ozone concentrations. Noise pollution will be reduced because fuel cells run quietly. Groundwater contamination will be reduced because fuel cells do not use motor oil and leaks from gasoline storage tanks may also be reduced.
There is worldwide interest in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Governments in the United States, Europe and Japan are committing over $7 billion in the next few years to fuel cell technology development. Europe and Japan will be earlier adopters of this technology than the United States because they can experience more immediate benefits environmentally and economically. The reduction of greenhouse gases and air pollution by nations around the world through the use of hydrogen cars will contribute to improved health for everyone.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
What's All This Talk about Fuel Cells Anyway? by Bob Jent
Fuel cell is a term heard in the media and it seems to have something to do with running our cars and heating our homes. Hope that the fuel cell can be one of the solutions to our energy needs is talked about but it's a bit unclear as to what exactly a fuel cell is, how it works and what exactly it can and will do.
In simple terms a fuel cell can be thought of as a battery. A battery converts chemicals inside it into electricity and eventually goes dead. Batteries have all of their chemicals stored inside. Fuel cells have chemicals constantly flowing into them so they never go dead. The majority of fuel cells in use today use hydrogen and oxygen as the chemicals.
The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity with water and heat as the by product. The fuel conversion does not involve combustion; it's an electrochemical process so it is clean, quiet and two to three times more efficient than combustion.
Our high school chemistry classes taught us that hydrogen is the most plentiful gas in the universe. Hydrogen is similar to natural gas in that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. If you are thinking that natural gas does have an odor remember that something is added to the natural gas in processing to produce an odor so that we know when there is a leak. Hydrogen is the lightest chemical element but it has the highest energy content per unit of weight of all the fuels.
Hydrogen is always combined with other elements such as oxygen and carbon, never found alone. Oil and natural gas are a mix of primarily hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. The hydrogen is extracted from the hydrogen compound to be used to run the fuel cells. Oil companies, like Western Pipeline Corporation, extract natural gas which is then used to produce hydrogen through steam reforming.
There is a lot of fear regarding hydrogen as a fuel source because of safety issues. It has high energy content and must be handled properly. Fear is largely based on the fact that hydrogen is an unknown quantity. People remember the Hindenburg blowing up in 1937 and the threat of the hydrogen bomb. Hydrogen has been used in the chemical, food and electronics industries with an excellent safety track record for years.
Fuel cells provide a direct current that can be used to power almost any type of motor, lights and other types of electrical devices. Automakers are working to commercialize a fuel cell car with expectations of commercial availability by 2010. President Bush announced a $1.2 billion Hydrogen Fuel Initiative in 2003 funded to develop the technology needed for commercially viable hydrogen-powered fuel cells to power cars, trucks, homes and businesses. Fuel cells are used today as stationary generators in hospitals, utility power plants and schools. They are also used in telecommunications, wastewater treatment plants and landfills.
Fuel cells offer a very attractive alternative to oil dependency and their use will continue to grow as the cost of production declines.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
In simple terms a fuel cell can be thought of as a battery. A battery converts chemicals inside it into electricity and eventually goes dead. Batteries have all of their chemicals stored inside. Fuel cells have chemicals constantly flowing into them so they never go dead. The majority of fuel cells in use today use hydrogen and oxygen as the chemicals.
The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity with water and heat as the by product. The fuel conversion does not involve combustion; it's an electrochemical process so it is clean, quiet and two to three times more efficient than combustion.
Our high school chemistry classes taught us that hydrogen is the most plentiful gas in the universe. Hydrogen is similar to natural gas in that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. If you are thinking that natural gas does have an odor remember that something is added to the natural gas in processing to produce an odor so that we know when there is a leak. Hydrogen is the lightest chemical element but it has the highest energy content per unit of weight of all the fuels.
Hydrogen is always combined with other elements such as oxygen and carbon, never found alone. Oil and natural gas are a mix of primarily hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. The hydrogen is extracted from the hydrogen compound to be used to run the fuel cells. Oil companies, like Western Pipeline Corporation, extract natural gas which is then used to produce hydrogen through steam reforming.
There is a lot of fear regarding hydrogen as a fuel source because of safety issues. It has high energy content and must be handled properly. Fear is largely based on the fact that hydrogen is an unknown quantity. People remember the Hindenburg blowing up in 1937 and the threat of the hydrogen bomb. Hydrogen has been used in the chemical, food and electronics industries with an excellent safety track record for years.
Fuel cells provide a direct current that can be used to power almost any type of motor, lights and other types of electrical devices. Automakers are working to commercialize a fuel cell car with expectations of commercial availability by 2010. President Bush announced a $1.2 billion Hydrogen Fuel Initiative in 2003 funded to develop the technology needed for commercially viable hydrogen-powered fuel cells to power cars, trucks, homes and businesses. Fuel cells are used today as stationary generators in hospitals, utility power plants and schools. They are also used in telecommunications, wastewater treatment plants and landfills.
Fuel cells offer a very attractive alternative to oil dependency and their use will continue to grow as the cost of production declines.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
Challenges of Using Fuel Cells to Power Our Cars by Bob Jent
Clean, reliable, efficient energy is possible through the use of hydrogen fuel cells. Fuel cell vehicles that have hydrogen stored on board do not produce any pollution. Their only byproducts are water and heat.
High volume hydrogen production will be necessary to provide the fuel for the hydrogen car. Most hydrogen in the United States is produced today through the steam reforming of natural gas produced by companies like Western Pipeline Corporation. The cost to produce and deliver this hydrogen is too expensive to make it economically feasible. New technologies are being developed that will lower the cost. These methods will include splitting water into its two components of hydrogen and oxygen such as photobiological water splitting and photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Creating an affordable on-board hydrogen storage system (gas tank) is the biggest challenge hydrogen researchers are faced with. Storing hydrogen is a problem because as a gas hydrogen takes up a lot of space. There are three types of storage tanks: compressed hydrogen, liquid hydrogen and metal hydride tanks. Compressed hydrogen is most prevalent today because it doesn't require the super cooling and insulation of liquid hydrogen. Liquid hydrogen requires special handling and materials to contain and keep the fuel cool and safety is an issue. Metal hydride tanks use specific metallic compounds to release hydrogen at consistent pressures.
A hydrogen generation and delivery infrastructure such as pipelines, trucks, fueling stations and hydrogen generation plants need to be developed. One of the largest infrastructure challenges of hydrogen are fueling stations. For hydrogen cars to be successful hydrogen fueling stations will be required. California has active hydrogen fuel stations. There are hydrogen home stations available as well.
Hydrogen is highly flammable. Hydrogen concept cars are placing the fuel tanks in the middle of the chassis to protect the passengers. Hydrogen fuel cells are also fragile and need to be strong enough to handle the automobile bumps. Processes will have to be developed to respond to hydrogen related accidents. Firemen, policeman and all other responders will have to be trained.
Hydrogen fuel cells today are expensive to produce. New technology is needed to reduce the cost of the component pieces of fuel cells. GM has set a deadline of 2010 to make hydrogen technology safe and affordable. However, production of hydrogen vehicles depends on safe, affordable and convenient availability of hydrogen. Government and industry will have to invest heavily to assure this.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
High volume hydrogen production will be necessary to provide the fuel for the hydrogen car. Most hydrogen in the United States is produced today through the steam reforming of natural gas produced by companies like Western Pipeline Corporation. The cost to produce and deliver this hydrogen is too expensive to make it economically feasible. New technologies are being developed that will lower the cost. These methods will include splitting water into its two components of hydrogen and oxygen such as photobiological water splitting and photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Creating an affordable on-board hydrogen storage system (gas tank) is the biggest challenge hydrogen researchers are faced with. Storing hydrogen is a problem because as a gas hydrogen takes up a lot of space. There are three types of storage tanks: compressed hydrogen, liquid hydrogen and metal hydride tanks. Compressed hydrogen is most prevalent today because it doesn't require the super cooling and insulation of liquid hydrogen. Liquid hydrogen requires special handling and materials to contain and keep the fuel cool and safety is an issue. Metal hydride tanks use specific metallic compounds to release hydrogen at consistent pressures.
A hydrogen generation and delivery infrastructure such as pipelines, trucks, fueling stations and hydrogen generation plants need to be developed. One of the largest infrastructure challenges of hydrogen are fueling stations. For hydrogen cars to be successful hydrogen fueling stations will be required. California has active hydrogen fuel stations. There are hydrogen home stations available as well.
Hydrogen is highly flammable. Hydrogen concept cars are placing the fuel tanks in the middle of the chassis to protect the passengers. Hydrogen fuel cells are also fragile and need to be strong enough to handle the automobile bumps. Processes will have to be developed to respond to hydrogen related accidents. Firemen, policeman and all other responders will have to be trained.
Hydrogen fuel cells today are expensive to produce. New technology is needed to reduce the cost of the component pieces of fuel cells. GM has set a deadline of 2010 to make hydrogen technology safe and affordable. However, production of hydrogen vehicles depends on safe, affordable and convenient availability of hydrogen. Government and industry will have to invest heavily to assure this.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
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