Hydrogen fuel cell cars have been on the drawing boards for years and, in 2010, manufacturers began producing them in prototype and test designs. Their advantage over gasoline internal combustion engines is running on hydrogen and potentially reducing our dependence on foreign oil. They do not emit harmful exhaust gases, which means fewer pollutants in the atmosphere. Developers must overcome challenges and technical difficulties before the hydrogen fuel cell car becomes efficient.
Honda Concept
Honda's FCX has some of the manufacturer's newest features in fuel cell design. Designed with a low, sleek and wide body, it ranks smaller than the Acura RL, but seems much roomer. The fuel-cell stack has been mounted in the middle of the vehicle for weight distribution, with two hydrogen tanks taking up space in the rear. The size of the stack has been decreased in size, with the hope that future testing will allow for increased storage within the confined space.
The front passenger instrument panel tilts up or down at 45 degrees depending upon the vehicle's speed, allowing for a tighter sense of security or one of a relaxed nature. The vehicle has built-in sensors and cameras that recognize the vehicle owner upon approach.
GM Sequel
GM has finalized the production of a sport model with the Sequel. It can deliver a 300-mile range between fill-ups. It has a five-seat capacity, all-wheel drive train and it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately nine seconds. The vehicle exhibits exceptional control on snow, ice and uneven terrain. It can produce 42-percent more torque horse power than other comparable models, which allows for very fast starts. The Sequel has shorter braking distances. GM expected the release of a fuel cell production car in 2010
GM Equiniox
The GM Equinox has a four-seat crossover design, expected to last for 50,000 miles. It can withstand sub-zero temperatures, which have been troublesome for fuel cell-run vehicles. The Equinox delivers 32 mpg, with over a 600-mile rage between fill-ups. A 4-cylinder engine block drives the vehicle, with direct electronic fuel injection. The drive train consists of a 6-speed automatic transmission. The fuel cell stack has been originally designed by GM for building at its advanced technology division in Honeoye Falls, New York. The Ontario plant will actually produce the vehicle.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus combines a number of amenities like high performance, good fuel economy, comfort, reduced noise and zero emissions. It's four-door arrangement has been modified slightly to package the hydrogen fuel cell stacks. The 2.0 liter engine has been rated at 140 horsepower, while the head contains a double overhead cam 16-valve arrangement. Mileage figures range from 25 mph in city conditions to 35 mph on the highway, due to an improved electronic fuel injection system.
Toyota FCHV
Toyota designed the FCHV with its Highlander model in mind. It has room for four passenger and has a storage area in the rear compartment. The hydrogen tanks mount in front of the rear wheels, with two more behind them for a total of four. Hydrogen leak and collision sensors have been installed around the vehicle and they shut off the tank valves in case of a leak or accident.
The FCHV uses a synergy system that can by found in electric cars, except the fuel cell stack replaces the engine and the gas tank gets swapped out with the hydrogen tanks. It has the mid-line battery storage, along with the powerful electric motor and control unit. The high-performance motor delivers a top speed of 96 mph and its range can extend to 500 miles and more, with the newest battery technology.
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