| FuelCellStocks.Com Fuel Cell Vehicle News Hydrogenics Receives Order for Fuel Cell Hybrid MidiBus 7/27/06. Hydrogenics Corporation (TSX:HYG) (NASDAQ:HYGS) has received a $460,000 order for a Fuel Cell Hybrid MidiBus from Rheinbahn Rheinische Bahngesellschaft AG, the public transit authority of the greater metropolitan Dusseldorf area in Germany. (more) Chinese automobiles are on way, with fuel cells planned to follow 7/23/06. Malcolm Bricklin, head of Visionary Vehicles in New York, revealed his partnership with a major East Coast dealership chain to begin U S distribution of cars manufactured by China's Chery Automobile Co. in late 2007. Mid size luxury sedans priced like economy cars will be sold in Arlington, Va., through a retail network set up by Rothrock Motor Sales of Allentown, Pa. (more) Hy-Drive rolls out conditional purchase program 7/20/06. Hy-Drive Technologies (TSX: HGS) has announced it has placed its G2 hydrogen generating system in 37 truck fleets through its conditional purchase program. The systems generate and inject hydrogen gas into the engine, enhancing the combustion process by allowing fuel to burn more efficiently and completely, the company says. It claims users realize improved fuel mileage and reduced emissions. (more) Ceramic high-temperature fuel cells will soon be a mass market 7/25. Professor Alexander Michaelis of the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS in Dresden claims ceramic fuel cells are ideal for vehicles and as stationary applications or in agriculture for generating energy from biogas. Compared with the polymers used in low-temperature fuel cells, these ceramic cells have a distinct advantage: apart from pure hydrogen, they can use methane, gasoline, diesel, natural gas or biogas as fuel. (more) Water Powered Cars 7/27/06. Experts at the University of Minnesota and the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have found that water reacting with boron produces hydrogen. The researchers say a car carrying just 18kg of boron and 45 litres of water can produce as much energy as a 40-litre tank of conventional fuel. A prototype is planned by 2009. Modine's idle-off system could help reduce waste 7/18/06. Modine Manufacturing Co. announced a new fuel cell product Monday that it said will reduce emissions into the air and cut costs for over-the-road truck drivers. Modine said the new idle reduction system, or idle-off, incorporates high-efficiency, zero-emissions fuel cells with atmospheric carbon-dioxide as the refrigerant. (more) Hyundai Expands Fuel Cell Fleet 7/11. The South Korean automaker is currently testing 32 fuel cell vehicles in Korea and the United States and now expects to add onto that number with the help of a mobile hydrogen refueling station developed by Linde. (more) Hydrogenics Receives Order for HyPM'R' Fuel Cell Power Pack from Japan 7/24. Hydrogenics Corporation (TSX: HYG)(NASDAQ: HYGS), designer and manufacturer of hydrogen and fuel cell systems, has received an order for a HyPM® Fuel Cell Power Pack to be integrated into a Japanese OEM's forklift, with delivery scheduled for late in 2006. This is the third material handling OEM to trial a Hydrogenics FCPP in their forklift truck platform as a replacement for existing battery technology. (more) Enova partners with IC Corp. on hybrid school bus 7/11. Enova (OTCBB: ENOV) joined with school bus maker IC Corp. to exhibit the nation's first hybrid school bus Monday at the Albany, N.Y., Marriott Hotel. The bus, which will be tested by the Shenendahowa Central School District in Saratoga County, employs an electric motor, which is charged by the buses' diesel engine, to help the bus accelerate to cruising speed, and decelerate. (more) Toy Hydrogren Cars Debuting on Market this Week 7/23/06. A Chinese technology company will begin selling hydrogen cars this week, just on a smaller scale. The toy cars are considered one of the first steps in producing the technology in life-size vehicles. Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies says the toys will even come with their own miniature solar-powered refueling station. (more) Volvo Devleping Fuel Cell Technology 7/23/06. Volvo has reached an advanced stage in developing hydrogen-based fuel cell technology as an alternative fuel, a company official said. The new technology "would go a long way in revolutionising the global search for alternative fuel". (more) Honda Celebrates Anniversary of World's First Individual Retail Fuel Cell Vehicle Customer 7/10/06. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., celebrated the one-year anniversary of the world''s first lease of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle to an individual retail customer. The anniversary marks the halfway point of a successful leasing partnership between American Honda and the Los Angeles-based Spallino family. (more) Regular Hydrogen Bus Service Begins in Japan 7/20/06. The world's first bus service using a regular hydrogen fuel cell will begin on Saturday at a Japanese airport. A 65-seat bus, manufactured by Toyota and Hino, will transport passengers to and from the Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) near the city of Nagoya in southern Japan, according to sources at Toyota. (more) UTC Power to Design Fuel Cell for Spanish Submarine 7/19/06. UTC Power, a United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) company, will design and develop a 300 kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell power module for the Spanish shipbuilder NAVANTIA, S.A. for use in the Spanish Navy's S-80 submarine. (more) ITM Power to Develop Electrolyser Refuelling System With The University of Hertfordshire 7/5/06. ITM Power has a joint program with the University of Hertfordshire to develop a hydrogen refueling system for internal combustion vehicles. The aim of the program is to improve emissions. The system will be designed to refuel vehicles at home or work. It will investigate the conversion of existing petrol fueled generators to run on hydrogen. And it will investigate how the addition of hydrogen to diesel combustion can either reduce fuel consumption and pollutants and provide the necessary on-board hydrogen generator system for diesel engines. Hydrogenics Receives Contracts From Linde 7/19/06. Hydrogenics Corporation (TSX: HYG) (NASDAQ: HYGS) has received orders for four HyPM® Fuel Cell Power Packs for STILL International, a wholly-owned company of Linde AG, the market leader in Europe for electric forklifts. Two Fuel Cell Power Packs will be integrated into STILL Class 1 forklifts, used extensively throughout the automotive industry in North America. The remaining modules will be integrated into two airport tow tractor vehicles to be deployed at the Hamburg Airport in Germany. All four FCPPs are scheduled for delivery in 2006. (more) Protonex Announces Second U.S. Air Force Contract Award for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Power 7/18/06. Protonex Technology Corporation (AIM: PTX) has been awarded a second contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to continue development of power systems for long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles. The contract has a total program value of $749,247. The Company also announces that it has appointed Harry E. Fitzgibbons as a Director and Chairman of the Board and General (Retired) Charles R. Holland as a Director. (more) Hydrogen buses ‘10 years from reality’ 6/29/06. Dandenong bus operator Grenda said hydrogen-powered buses are 10 to 15 years from becoming a reality. The company’s bus manufacturing wing, Volgren, is trialling several different types of alternative fuels in anticipation that the world’s diesel reserves may run low in the next 25 years. (more) Ford Begins Production of Hydrogen Bus Engines 7/18/06. Ford Motor Co. is beginning production of hydrogen-powered internal-combustion engines that won't emit pollution for use in shuttle buses. (more) California to Lease 4 Hydrogen Toyotas from Quantum 6/26/06. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.,
(Nasdaq: QTWW) today announced that it Hydrogen Fueling Station Comes to Santa Monica 6/23/06. Santa Monica has joined forces with the South Coast Air Quality Management District to become home to Southern California’s 5th hydrogen fueling station, joining Burbank, Ontario, Riverside and Santa Ana. (more) Rand Cam(TM) will be Showcased on CNBC in the New York Area 7/10/06. REGI U.S., Inc. will be showcased on CNBC in the
New York area from July 10th through 14th., featuring Rand Cam(TM) rotary
technology. The engine is a light weight rotary engine that has only two
moving parts. The Rand Cam(TM) engine has multi-fuel capabilities including
gasoline, natural gas, hydrogen, propane and diesel. (more) Hyundai Abandons Hybrids. Sees Fuel Cell Future General Physics Corporation Completes Construction of Chevron Hydrogen Energy Station at AC Transit 6/23/06. General Physics Corporation recently completed the design and construction of a hydrogen energy station for Chevron Hydrogen Company, a division of Chevron Corporation. The station was constructed at the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit Bus Fueling and Maintenance Facility in Oakland, California. (more) New England gets first hydrogen station 7/5/06. New England’s first hydrogen fuel station is up and running, and it will fuel the state’s first vehicle designed to run on the fuel that produces emissions of water vapor. The hydrogen will be produced by a wind turbine owned by the Burlington Electric Department on the Lake Champlain waterfront. (more Ballard Announces Further Progress in China 6/5/06. Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding and fuel cell supply agreement with Shanghai Fuel Cell Vehicle Powertrain Co., Ltd. to cooperate on the development of fuel cell vehicles for demonstration and field trial programs planned in China in 2006 and 2007. Under the terms of the agreements, Ballard will supply fuel cells and related services and Powertrain will integrate those fuel cells into vehicles. (more) Shell Hydrogen signs Dutch bus MoU 6/30/06. Shell Hydrogen, in partnership with Connexxion Holding and MAN Truck & Bus Company, plans creating the world's largest hydrogen-fuelled public transport operation in Rotterdam. The project aims to have the biggest hydrogen bus fleet operational in a single region before the end of the decade. (more) Quantum Delivers Hydrogen Hybrid Vehicles to Santa Monica Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., (Nasdaq: QTWW) today delivered five hydrogen-fueled Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles to the City of Santa Monica, California. This is part of the South Coast Air Quality Management District's program to develop and demonstrate 30 hydrogen hybrid vehicles in Southern California fleets. (more) UQM Technologies Receives $1.9 Million Production Order 6/14/06. UQM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (AMEX:UQM) has received a $1.9 million production order for an electronic auxiliary product for hybrid electric vehicles. Deliveries under the order are currently scheduled to begin in the fall of 2006 and continue through December 2007. (more) Renault Explains its Fuel Cell Technology 6/13/06. Renault opted for vehicles powered by fuel cells with reformers in order to apply hydrogen energy to the automobile. This technology directly produces the hydrogen on demand and on board the vehicle, solving the problem of very high-pressure or cryogenic storage. Renault, Nissan and Nuvera Fuel Cells have been working together on this solution, which can be used immediately, without waiting for a hydrogen distribution network to be established. (more) Dutch Introduce Fuel Cell Boat 6/9/06. This electrically powered boat will use hydrogen as fuel and will cover the 220 kilometers without refueling. This very cost-effective ship could soon be produced in large numbers and should help to contribute to a reduction of air pollution from the marine transport sector within two years. (more) Hydrogen Power International, Inc. Converts Ford Ranger Truck to Run On Hydrogen 6/6/06. Hydrogen Power International, Inc. (OTC: EQTX) subsidiary, Hydrogen Power, Inc. has completed the first phase of converting an internal combustion engine vehicle to a hydrogen hybrid, ultimately to be powered by AlumiFuel(TM) for on-board hydrogen production. (more) Berlin dispatches 2 hydrogen buses 6/3/06. Berlin now has two hydrogen-powered buses running public transportation in the city in a project for the FIFA Soccer World Cup. The project "Green Goal" aims to use alternative energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Berlin, German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel said. (more) QuestAir Included in PROFIT 100 Ranking of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies 6/5/06. QuestAir Technologies Inc. (TSX:QAR) (AIM:QAR) made the 18th annual PROFIT 100 ranking of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies for the second straight year. The ranking rates companies by five-year revenue growth and is Canada's largest annual celebration of entrepreneurial achievement. (more) ECD Ovonics' Battery Subsidiary Grants Patent License to L&K Battery Technology of China 5/26/06. Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. subsidiary, Ovonic Battery Company, Inc., has a patent license agreement on its proprietary nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery technology with L&K Battery Technology Co., Ltd. ( of the People's Republic of China. (more) Las Vegas to get second hydrogen station for fuel cell vehicles A second solar/hydrogen fuel station is being planned to open in October at the Las Vegas Valley Water District's main campus as a joint venture with the UNLV Research Foundation, paid for by an $8.9 million federal grant. Two small hydrogen-powered Water District trucks will use the station. (more) General Hydrogen's First OEM Fuel Cell Forklift Sale to Cat Lift Trucks 5/19106. General Hydrogen Corporation made its first commercial sale of a Hydricity® Pack to Cat Lift Trucks of Houston, Texas, who will be using the pack in a Class 1 battery-electric forklift. (more) Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell Fleet Passes Two Million Kilometer Milestone 5/23/06. Fuel cell vehicles are used to deliver letters and parcels, as service vehicles, or simply as a means of transportation – completely free of emissions and with very little noise. Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, buses and vans with fuel cell technology – in total more than 100 vehicles – are operated by customers performing their day-to-day business and have covered more than two million kilometers to date. (more) Europe's CUTE Hydrogen Bus Project Reports Impressive Results 5/17/06. Since 2003, 27 hydrogen powered buses have transported four million people more than one million kilometres in nine European cities. The achievements have been impressive. Each city needed its own hydrogen supply chain and refuelling stations. These networks used more than 192 tonnes of hydrogen - 100 tonnes from renewable sources - and more than 9,000 successful refuelling stops - refuelling is the most dangerous part of the hydrogen chain. The next stage will be introducing 200 hydrogen-powered vehicles on the streets of Europe and beyond. (more) The world’s smallest hydrogen car hits the showroom floor 5/18/06. This palm-size fuel cell car contains an onboard hydrogen storage tank, a fuel cell system, and a hydrogen refueling system linking the car’s storage tank to an external hydrogen refueling station. The H-racer is also very safe as only tiny quantities of hydrogen are needed to power the car. It will be available in speciality stores during June. (more)
Hydrogen Engine Center Announces North American Distributor 5/12/06. Hydrogen Engine Center (OTC: HYEG) manufacturer of Oxx Power(TM) engines, announced the official distribution network for the United States and Canada. Oxx Power's(TM) distribution network is made up of past and present Ford Power Product distributors. (more) Hydrogen Engine Center Receives Order for Hydrogen Power Generator 250kW Generator for Wind/Hydrogen Demonstration 5/17/06. Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc. (OTC: HYEG) has received a $179,000 CAD ($161,211 USD) order through its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, Hydrogen Engine Center Canada, from Natural Resources Canada for a 250kW power generator or "genset." (more) DaimlerChrysler Builds F Cell-Powered Cop Car 5/10/06. DaimlerChrysler has introduced the first fuel cell-powered
police vehicle. The car has been delivered to the Wayne State University
Police Department in Detroit. The car will be used by the police department
as a supervisor's vehicle, touring the campus and its surrounding area
and is outfitted with a third-generation police radio, decals, lights
and sirens. (more) Europe Opts for Fuel Cell Vehicles 5/10/06. European motorists are more likely to opt for electric fuel cell technology in their next vehicle than their American counterparts, who are keener on hybrid vehicles. Such are the findings of the inaugural automotive study by Harris Interactive, based on the views of drivers in the five largest European countries, as well as in the US. (more) Quantum Fuel Systems Gets Order for 15 hydrogen fueled Toyota Hybrids Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., (Nasdaq: QTWW) received a purchase order for 15 hydrogen-fueled Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles from Miljobil Grenland AS, a participant and vehicle provider to the Norwegian Hydrogen Highway, or HyNor. (more) OSU adds state's first hydrogen refueling station Ohio State University's Center for Automotive Research is home to the state's first hydrogen refueling station, one of 15 in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Through an OSU partnership with Honda, and a hydrogen-powered Ford Focus, they will study fuel-cell power train technology, alternative fuels and, by extension, the future of transportation. (more) Mazda Looking at Hydrogen Powered Rotary Racer Mazda North America is looking at converting its three-rotor LMP2 powerplant from gasoline to zero-emissions hydrogen, employing technology already pioneered in Japan by its parent company on a special version of its RX-8 rotary engined sportscar. (more) Fuel Cell Project at a Canadian Airport 5/10/06. General Hydrogen Corporation will participate in a fuel-cell project at the Vancouver International Airport. The Government of Canada is providing $867,000 in support through the Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance. The project will examine the use of fuel-cell power packs in "tuggers" that tow baggage to and from aircraft. (more) DaimlerChrysler Completes Phase One of DOE Program 5/4/06. DaimlerChrysler has completed the first portion of the $88 million Dept. of Energy Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Program by delivering on a 30 fuel cell vehicle commitment. The project puts fuel cell vehicles into the hands of customers. (more) Third German fuel cell sub delivered 4/24/06. The U 33 submarine is the third of four fuel cell-powered vessels to be completed by ThyssenKrupp Marine System to be delivered to Germany's government. Fuel cells allow submarines to stay submerged for weeks. (more) Nine inch car to save the world 5/1/06. A nine inch car could help scientists develop hydrogen fuel. Professor Keith Ross, from Salford University, and his research team, have been awarded £500,000 from the European Commission to investigate ways of storing hydrogen in vehicles. (more) Hydrogenics Awarded Follow-on Order from General Motors for Fuel Cell Test Services 5/1/06. Hydrogenics Corporation (TSX:HYG) (NASDAQ:HYGS) has received a follow-on order from General Motors Corp. for fuel cell test services anticipated to be fully realized in 2006. UQM Technologies Receives Additional Follow-on Production Order 5/1/06. UQM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Amex: UQM) received a follow-on
order for 10,000 vehicle auxiliary motors, bringing total orders received ENV Fuel Cell Motorbike Recognized by London Awards Group 4/28/06. Intelligent Energy’s ENV, the world’s first purpose-built hydrogen fuel-cell motorcycle, was highly commended in the Industry Innovation Design category of this month’s 2005 EAST Journal Environmental and Sustainable Technology Awards. (more) Mazda Delivers Two Rotary Hydrogen Vehicles to Hiroshima 4/21/06. The City of Hiroshima and Hiroshima Prefecture have each had one dual-fueled RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle delivered from Mazda Motor Corporation. (more) Hyundai-Kia betting on futuristic cars 4/5/06. Hyundai-Kia said it will invest 1 trillion won in developing futuristic cars over the next five years, an investment that is 60 percent of the combined research and development budget of the nation's five carmakers. fuel-efficient diesels, fuel-cell autos and gasoline-electric hybrids are the major objectives. (more) Honda Serious About Making Hydrogen with Solar Cells 3/31/06. "We are serious about solar cells, and in the future will be making hydrogen with them," said Takeo Fukui, CEO of Honda. "Automobiles will not survive the way things are going today." A plant with capacity of 27.5MW will begin production of solar cells in 2007. (more) UQM Technologies Launches Production of Auxiliary Motors 4/18/06. UQM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Amex: UQM), a developer of alternative energy technologies, has launched volume production of vehicle auxiliary motors and has received a follow-on order for an additional 10,000 units. (more) Unitel to make hydrogen for Army fuel cell vehicles 4/19/06. Unitel Technologies has built a fully automated computer-controlled pilot plant for making fuel cell hydrogen from JP8. The U.S. Army Fuel Cell Technology Team at Fort Belvoir intends to use the Unitel system to fine tune the process for converting a logistical fuel into hydrogen to operate a solid oxide fuel cell stack. (more) Japan to have World's First Fuel Cell Trains 4/12/06. East Japan Railway Co. will test run the world's first fuel-cell-powered trains in July. The fuel-cell trains will run at about 100 kilometres per hour, but the railway company is still developing a system capable of long-distance travel. (more) DaimlerChrysler Builds First Fuel Cell-Powered Police Car 4/7/06. The Wayne State University Police Dept. will operate the Mercedes F-Cell as a supervisor's vehicle in the vicinity of the campus, located in Detroit's Cultural Center. The demanding operation of a police car will produce valuable data to help develop fuel cell technology. (more) Burns Wants GM to Debut Fuel Cell Cars in 2008 4/6/06. Larry Burns, head of Research and Planning at GM, faced with competing automakers accelerating their plans to commercialize fuel cell vehicles, wants GM to push its debut of FCVs up to 2008. Quantum buys 20% of Advanced Lithium Power Inc. 4/3/06. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. acquired a 19.9% stake in Advanced Lithium Power Inc., whose primary asset is intellectual property. Quantum will develop integrated advanced lithium ion battery packs for hybrid electric vehicles, uninterruptible power supplies, solar photovoltaic energy systems, and fuel cell vehicles. (more) GM Moderates Funding of Fuel Cells - Still spends more in 05 than 04 3/31/06. GM protected development of fuel cells and hybrid petrol-electric cars, delaying programs to shift spending from 2005 to 2006. As a result, its Sequel - will not be ready for road-testing until the end of this summer, missing its planned spring debut. "We had intended spending more in 2005 than we ended up spending," Larry Burns said during a visit to London. But even with the reduction - we ended up spending more than we did in 2004." (more) Hydrogen Engine Center Unveils New Engine 3/29/06. Hydrogen Engine Center (OTC: HYEG) unveiled the
new Mini Oxx(TM) three cylinder Mazda delivers 1st hydrogen or gas duel-fuel vehicles 3/23/06. Mazda delivered its first two rotary-engine hydrogen vehicles featuring a dual-fuel system allowing the driver to select either hydrogen or gasoline. Mazda leased the RX-8 cars to Idemitsu Kosan Co. and Iwatani International Corp. for fleet use. The two firms are participating in Japan's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Demonstration Project. (more) China to have 20,000 Fuel Cell Buses by 2010 3/15/06. At the National Hydrogen Association's 17th Annual Hydrogen Conference and Hydrogen Expo in Long Beach, Calif., China announced it plans to have 20,000 fuel cell powered buses operating by 2010. (more) Army Unveils Quantum Technology's Ford Escape Hydrogen Hybrid 3/31/06. The U.S. Army and Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., (Nasdaq: QTWW), unveiled a hydrogen-hybrid Ford Escape today at the 2006 SAE World Congress in Detroit. The Army is working to pair hybrid electric vehicles with a hydrogen delivery and storage system. This technology has the potential to offer a cost-effective alternative to full fuel cell powered vehicles. (more) UTC, Van Hool Team Up on European Fuel Cell Buses 3/14/06. United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) will work with major Belgian bus manufacturer Van Hool to deliver a fuel cell-powered bus to DeLijn, the largest bus fleet operator in Belgium. The bus will operate in Belgium for six months before being leased to other transit agencies in Europe. (more) Chevron Fuels AC Transit’s HyRoad Hydrogen Fuel Cell Demonstration Program 3/13/06. The HyRoad program in Oakland, CA will monitor a fleet of 3 UTC fuel cell powered buses, 10 Hyundai and Kia fuel cell cars, and a Chevron Hydrogen filling station in real world conditions. (more) Honda sees hybrid owners buying fuel cell cars 3/30/06. "We already hear of people saying, ‘gee I like my hybrid but what's next. I want to go beyond gasoline,’" says Ellis. Honda sees fuel cells as an even easier step for drivers of compressed natural gas cars it sells in the United States. (more) Mazda and BMW Promise Hydrogen Cars by 2008 3/24/06. Mazda has delivered the first two hydrogen-powered RX-8s to corporate customers in Japan, while BMW has confirmed plans to bring a hydrogen-powered 7 Series to market within two years. (more) Hydrogen Fuel Cells May Help U. S. Military Cut Gas Usage 3/27/06. The Army has been testing a prototype hydrogen-fuel-cell
system installed within a conventional truck platform for about a year
now, said Bill Haris, a mechanical engineer at the Army's National Automotive
Center. The NAC is part of the U. S. Army's Tank Automotive Research Development
and Engineering Center at Warren, Mich. The application is geared toward
nontactical vehicle usage. (more) Quantum Fuel Systems Joins Plug-In Hybrid Consortium 3/27/06. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq:QTWW) joined the Plug-In Hybrid Development Consortium made up of automotive suppliers, manufacturers and other organizations working to accelerate the commercial production of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles. (more) Another hydrogen fuel station in Berlin 3/23/06. A second public hydrogen filling station has been opened in Berlin. (more) Hyundai Plans Fuel Cell and Hybrid Cars for Chinese Market 3/21/06. Hyundai Motor is planning to introduce hybrid-powered and fuel-cell cars to China. Xu Heyi, chairman of Hyundai's venture with Beijing Automotive Industry Corp, told China Daily the venture would begin the commercial production of petrol-electric hybrid-powered cars before the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. The venture will begin to make hydrogen-powered fuel-cell cars by 2010. (more) USA to allocate $119m for hydrogen vehicles development 3/7/06. The U.S. will spend the money on making the mass production of fuel cell vehicles cost effective. The work will be done by General Motors, Ford, and Daimlyer Chrysler. (more) ECD Begins Fleet Testing Hydrogen Hybrid Vehicle 3/17/06. Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENER) started fleet testing its Hydrogen Hybrid vehicle at the South Coast Air Quality Management District in Diamond Bar, California. (more) Quantum Delivers Hydrogen Hybrid Vehicles to Burbank 3/17/06. Quantum Fuel Systems (Nasdaq: QTWW) delivered five hydrogen-fueled Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles to the City of Burbank, California, as part of a Air Quality Management program to develop and demonstrate 30 hydrogen hybrid vehicles to fleets in Southern California. (more) Fuel Cell/Battery Hybrid Forklifts Top Performers 3/3/06. Several manufacturers are testing forklifts powered by a combination of fuel cells and batteries -- and finding that these hybrids perform far better than the lead-acid battery systems now typically used. In some situations, in fact, they could pay for themselves in cost savings and added productivity within two or three years. (more) Beijing Hyundai/Hyndai joining to produce FCVs in China 3/16/06. Korea's Hyundai plans a second factory in Beijing, expected to go into production in 2008. It will include scaled production of the fuel-cell cars. (more) Germany to invest 500 million euros in hydrogen-powered vehicles 3/13/06. Germany said today it would invest 500 mln euros over the next decade in developing vehicles powered by hydrogen. (more) Chevron Fuels AC Transits Fuel Cell Demo Program 3/13/06. Chevron Hydrogen is fueling AC Transit's HyRoad hydrogen fuel cell fleet demonstration program that includes buses, cars, and a Chevron hydrogen filling station. (more) Europe's First Commercial Fuel Cell Vehicle 2/28/06. H2 Logic and A. Flensborg released the first hydrogen truck (H2 Truck). The H2 Truck is now ready for production and the first batch of 6 vehicles has already been rolled out of the assembly line and into use. The H2 Truck is a small vehicle used in many different operation fields including luggage hauling, small commercial vehicles, hospitals and ports. (more) GreenShift Invests in General Hydrogen 3/6/06. GreenShift Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: GSHF) is investing in General Hydrogen Corporation, a leader in battery replacement technology for electric forklifts, industrial vehicles and other off-road equipment. General Hydrogen produces high-performance Hydricity(R) Packs, which can triple electric industrial vehicle runtimes. (more) I-95 on fast track to become East's 'Hydrogen Highway' 3/3/06. California beat the East Coast onto the hydrogen highway. Now automakers, energy companies and government agencies are making plans to catch up. Those players, working together and apart, want to bring stations that pump fuel into hydrogen-powered cars to the Interstate 95 corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C. California's ''Hydrogen Highway'' project, launched two years ago by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, has already spurred the development of a station network there. (more) Ballard Power Systems wins $8.3 million deal for fuel-cell buses 3/2/06. Ballard Power Systems Inc. has won an $8.3-million (U.S.) contract to service 27 Mercedes-Benz Citaro fuel cell buses that will run on European roads. The deal is a one-year extension to the Clean Urban Transport for Europe project, a two-year fuel cell bus demonstration that began in late 2003, Vancouver-based Ballard said Thursday. (more) SAIC to build alternative powertrain vehicles, including fuel cell bus 3/1/06. Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation has revealed plans to develop ‘clean’ vehicles, reports the Shanghai Daily, including a prototype fuel cell bus by the end of this year, and series production by 2008, and hybrids with its joint venture partners GM and VW next year. (more) London to Have 70 Hydrogen Buses 2/28/06. London's fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses will soon grow from 3 to ten, with sixty other hydrogen vehicles to follow over the next 4 years. The HFC vehicle fleet expansion is part of the London Hydrogen Partnership, a wider drive towards a "hydrogen economy" for London. The Mayor of London is working with the police and fire brigade as well as public transport authorities on this project. (more) Toyota, GM Discussing Joint Research on Fuel Cell Vehicles 2/22/06. Toyota Motor Corp. and General Motors Corp. are discussing future plans for joint fuel cell research and development, before their current tie-up contract expires on March 31. They have been cooperating in the research and development of fuel-cell technology under a two-year project that started in April 2004. Their discussions include whether they should continue their tie, as well as new terms of their alliance if they choose to continue their R&D partnership. (more) Mazda to lease hydrogen cars to 2 Japanese energy companies 2/15/06. Mazda Motor Corp. will lease two of its RX-8 Hydrogen RE cars with dual hydrogen-gasoline fuel systems to two Japanese energy-related companies in late March. Idemitsu Kosan Co. and Iwatani International Corp. will be the first users of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, which is based on the rotary engine RX-8 sports car. Another 10 RX-8 Hydrogen RE cars will be leased to Hiroshima Prefecture, other local governments, and energy companies by the end of this year. (more) Nissan Testing Fuel Cell Vehicle in Canada 2/14/06. Nissan is testing it's new 70 megapascal hydrogen
fuel cell car in Vancouver, BC. It contains a Canadian-built hydrogen
fuel cylinder manufactured by Dynetek Industries Ltd. of Calgary, Alta
and is being tested at Surrey, B.C.-based Powertech Labs Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of BC Hydro, in conjunction with Fuel Cells Canada. Fuel
Cells Canada manages the Hydrogen Highway, a coordinated, large-scale
program intended to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen and fuel-cell
technologies. Nissan joined these organizations today in Surrey to kick
off Bay Area Building Three Hydrogen Stations 2/28/06. The road from San Francisco to Hollywood may not be paved with hydrogen fuel stations yet, but a new push by Bar Area transportation experts aims to bring that aspiration one step closer to reality. The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County is teaming up with San Francisco International Airport, PG&E in San Carlos and the city of Menlo Park to build hydrogen fuel stations in the three jurisdictions for about $1 million each. (more) Fuel-cell bus service to start around Centrair airport 2/28/06. Japan Today reported that Toyota Motor Corp and its subsidiary Hino Motors Ltd said Monday an Aichi Prefecture bus company will start operating an environmentally friendly fuel-cell bus they have developed at Centrair International Airport near Nagoya on March 9. (more) BMW Will Sell Hydrogen Cars in Two Years 2/21/06. BMW, the German premium carmaker, is to introduce environment-friendly hydrogen-powered cars “in two years”. The company will first use hydrogen engines in its top of the range 7 Series cars in two years. Other models will be added later. (note: these are not fuel cell powered, but conventional engines that run on hydrogen). (more) Quantum Awarded Contract to Develop Hydrogen Hybrid SUV for the US Army 2/15/06. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. has been contracted to develop a hydrogen-fueled Ford Escape Hybrid vehicle for the U.S. Army. Quantum will evaluate different hydrogen fuel system configurations, considering the feasibility of bi-fuel (switchable between gasoline and hydrogen) and dedicated hydrogen systems. Quantum will develop an advanced hydrogen storage system, fuel injection system, and electronic controls required for the Hydrogen Escape Hybrid. (more) Fiat does hydrogen deal, shows fuel-cell Panda 2/14/06. Fiat has announced a cooperation deal with the Region of Piedmont to develop hydrogen-fuelled transport systems on a local and European level. The scheme will involve several projects at the University of Turin, Turin Polytechnic, regional research centres and collaboration with local industries. Fiat executives today attended an event showcasing hydrogen vehicles in Turin, a display mounted as part of the company's sponsorship of the Winter Olympics currently taking place. (more) Fiat Goes Fuel Cell Direct 2/14/06. The Fiat Panda Hydrogen, unlike previous fuel-cell prototypes, uses a "full power" system. There's no battery – the fuel cells deliver all the power required by the electric motor. The system is based on fuel cells made by Italian-American fuel-cell specialist Nuvera with a turbo-blower to supply the cells with air, a cooling system to deal with the exhaust gases and auxiliary components developed within. With the Panda Hydrogen, the company plans to move its research from laboratory prototypes to field trials. A small fleet of demonstration cars will be introduced in 2006 ahead of wide-ranging test programmes supported by the Italian government and the European Union. (more) ZAP introduces ethanol powered OBVIO 2/13/06. An ethanol-powered "trybrid" called the OBVIO ! 828® was introduced to auto dealers this week by automotive pioneer ZAP (PCX: ZP) at the nation's largest auto dealer gathering. ZAP, who has been pioneering alternatively fueled vehicles for more than a decade, is forming an automotive manufacturing venture with Brazil's OBVIO !™ Automotoveiculos S.P.E. Ltd., of Rio de Janeiro to import a new OBVIO ! "trybrid" sports car to the US by 2007 that can be powered by ethanol. (more) Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Cars Enter Service at Los Angeles Airport 2/10/06. Keys to five hydrogen fuel-cell powered cars from DaimlerChrysler will be presented to Los Angeles World Airports officials at Los Angeles International Airport. These zero-emission cars will be used for general transportation over a two-year period to further the development and practical experience with this technology. (more) Quantum Acquires Regency Conversions, Inc. 2/10/06. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., today announced that its subsidiary, Tecstar Automotive Group, has acquired Texas based Regency Conversions, Inc., a special vehicle manufacturer, for 1.8 million shares of Quantum common stock and $3.3 million in cash. Regency, is one of the largest vehicle converters in North America, producing approximately 5000 vehicles annually which are sold through 250 automobile dealerships throughout thecontinental U.S. Regency's unaudited revenues for calendar year 2005 were in excess of $40 million. METI to let people test-drive fuel cell-powered cars 2/8/06. The industry ministry plans to get people in Osaka
Prefecture to test-drive fuel cell cars and try out fuel cell-powered
wheelchairs in a five-year undertaking beginning in fiscal 2006, Osaka
prefectural government officials said Tuesday. (more) Fuel-cell bus project still in works 2/8/06. B.C. Transit officials are optimistic that the province will be the site of the largest hydrogen fuel-cell bus pilot project in the world in 2008, and that Whistler will become the northern terminus of the so-called “Hydrogen Highway” in time to showcase the technology during the 2010 Olympics. (more) GM Launches Public Campaign to Promote E85 'Flex-Fuel' Vehicle 2/8/06. At this week's Chicago Auto Show, General Motors is launching a program to promote the use of E85 "flex-fuel" vehicles. To promote E85 fuel and vehicles, GM has launched a "Live Green Go Yellow" campaign, which aired during the Super Bowl. FlexFuel vehicles can run on any combination of gasoline and/or E85, a fuel blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. (more) Clemson obtains funding for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles 2/3/06. Clemson University is partnering with the University of Utah to conduct research on the development of hydrogen fuel cells for vehicles. The project will be funded by a grant from the Department of Energy worth $1.5 million for a five year period. (more) PURE gets £25K boost to develop fuel cell car 2/3/06. The PURE Project has been awarded £25,000 from Shetland Development Trust to develop its fuel cell car and allow it to compete in the Shell Eco-Marathon in Noagaro, France, in May. The competition stipulates that a pupil should drive the car, so links have been forged with the Anderson High School and a selection process is under way.The Eco Marathon involves various cars competing to travel the greatest distance on as little fuel as possible. Organised and supported by Shell companies from across Europe, the marathon regularly attracts over 200 competing companies from a mix of European countries, entering different vehicles with any chosen fuel. (more) India's Defense Research and Development Organization Develops Fuel Cell Vehicle that Makes its own Hydrogen 2/3/06. "Unlike normal petrol or diesel engine, it does not have extra parts. It works as source of energy like a battery which runs using Hydrogen as power. We produce Hydrogen in side the vehicle itself through chemical reaction. Hydrogen is stored in this system which can be used when it is required for the engine. We call it silent power generator of Shy Power Generator," said J Narayan Das, director, Naval Materials Research Laboratory, DRDO. Quantum Delivers Hydrogen Hybrid Vehicles to Riverside 2/2/06. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., (Nasdaq: QTWW) delivered five hydrogen-fueled Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles to the City of Riverside, California as part of a larger South Coast Air Quality Management District program to develop and demonstrate 30 hydrogen hybrid vehicles to fleets in Southern California. The complete hydrogen internal combustion engine fuel system was developed by Quantum at its Advanced Vehicle Concept Center in Lake Forest, CA. 150 Fuel Cell Vehicles to be Tested in HyChain Project 2/2/06. The HYCHAIN-MINITRANS Project launched in Brussels will allow users in four regions of Europe to test 150 full size hydrogen fuel cell vehicles including scooters, tricycles, wheelchairs, small utility vehicles and minibuses. The initial priority will be fleets belonging to municipal departments in the partner cities as well as wheelchairs in use in partnership with some hospitals. (more) Quantum Fuel Systems Delivers Hydrogen Hybrids 1/27/06. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., today announced the delivery of five hydrogen-fueled Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles to the City of Santa Ana, California. This is part of a larger South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) program to develop and demonstrate 30 hydrogen hybrid vehicles to fleets in Southern California. The formal delivery took place during a ceremony held today at the City of Santa Ana's vehicle fleet yard. (more) Ford Introduces Tri-Flex, multi-fuel engine 1/25/06. The Ford F-250 Super Chief concept takes truck leadership to a new level – as the world's first vehicle with Tri-Flex fueling, enabling the supercharged V-10 to run for 500 miles between fill-ups on hydrogen, E85 ethanol or gasoline. The tri-fuel flexibility is one possible innovation by Ford to help pave the way for hydrogen vehicles, as the nation's ethanol and hydrogen fueling infrastructure continues to develop. (more) Quantum-Tecstar forms new company to produce specialty vehicles 1/25/06. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.
(Nasdaq: QTWW) and its subsidiary, Tecstar Automotive Group, formed a
new company with Unique Performance of Fort Worth, Texas to produce high-performance
specialty vehicles. Tecstar will own 50.1% of the new company, to be named
"Unique Performance Concepts," and will design Astris Energi Announces Collaborations 1/23/06. Astris Energi Inc. (OTC: ASRNF) announced that projects have been initiated with Queen's-RMC Fuel Cell Research Centre and the Queen's FuelCell Team. The Queen's Fuel Cell Team is developing a fuel cell system to power a golf car that is based on the Astris POWERSTACK™ MC250 which QFCT purchased. The Astris fuel cell was selected due to price and availability when compared to other comparable fuel cells on the market. Power Air Corp. enters Fuel Cell Market - 1/20/06. Power Air Corporation, (OTC: PWAC), formerly Fortune Partners Inc., announced today its new name, chosen to emphasize its entry into the Alternative Energy sector, manufacturing fuel cells fueled by zinc. Unlike hydrogen fuel cells and internal combustion engines, Power Air's fuel cells are non-flammable, non-explosive, inexpensive and easy to transport and store. (more) Hydrogen vehicles on Indian roads by 2007 1/18/06. New Delhi: The ministry of non-conventional energy sources hopes to have hydrogen vehicles on Indian roads by 2007 with International Tractors Ltd undertaking commercial production. "While hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is a long-term plan, we hope to have vehicles with hydrogen combustion engines running within the next five years," Minister of Non-Conventional Energy Sources Vilas Muttemwar said. Two- and three-wheeler vehicles are expected to hit the roads soon, ahead of the hydrogen-driven car. (more) India to produce hydrogen for 1 million vehicles by 2020 1/17/06. The Indian government is planning to produce 1.1 million tonne of hydrogen fuel annually by 2020 for running at least one million vehicles. The estimated cost of setting up this capacity: a cool Rs 25,000 crore. Decentralised hydrogen-based power generation of about 1,000 mw aggregate capacity has been planned. The investment would be required for R&D, demonstration and creation of infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, transportation and distribution, for meeting the requirement of hydrogen, under Green Initiative for Future Transport and Green Initiative for Power Generation. (more) Protonex awarded USAF contract for unmanned micro fuel cell drones 1/16/06. Protonex Technology Corporation, a leading manufacturer of high-performance fuel cell power systems for portable and remote applications, was awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop power systems for long- endurance micro unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Under the terms of the contract, Protonex will develop compact fuel cell power systems with significantly higher energy density than batteries, enabling aircraft to fly for a significantly longer duration and carry greater payload. (more) Shanghai to build first of 20 hydrogen filling stations 1/16/06. Tongji University plans to establish Shanghai's first hydrogen filling station for fuel-cell vehicles in suburban Jiading District this year. Ten fuel-cell vehicles invented by Tongji University operate in the city. The number will grow to 100 in the next one or two years. Meanwhile, Shanghai Maritime University invented the country's first fuel-cell boat. The "Tianxiang No. 1" could sail for three hours at a speed of 7 kilometers an hour. The clean-energy boat is especially suitable to be used as cruise boat in natural-protection zones as it discharges only water. (more) Intelligent Energy to supply fuel cells for Peugeot 1/13/06. British fuel cell development company Intelligent Energy today announced a working programme with PSA Peugeot Citroën, whereby Intelligent Energy's automotive fuel cell systems are to be tested and integrated within PSA Peugeot Citroën's electric vehicles for future deployment in electric vehicle fleets. (more) Intelligent Energy and PSA Peugeot Citroën announce fuel cell development programme 1/12/06. Intelligent Energy today announced a working programme with PSA Peugeot Citroën, whereby Intelligent Energy’s automotive fuel cell systems are to be tested and integrated within PSA Peugeot Citroën’s electric vehicles for future deployment in electric vehicle fleets. (more) Peugeot unveils smallest vehicle fuel cell 1/9/06. Peugeot Citroen on Monday unveiled the Genepac fuel cell, the smallest currently available for cars and pledged further research to halve their price by 2010. The Genepac can run for 500 kilometers (310 miles). (more) AC Transit to Use Hyundai Fuel Cell Vehicles 1/9/06. Hyundai delivered the first of 10 fuel cell electric vehicles to the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, a California public transport group for a five-year demonstration and validation project. This year Chevron opened its first-ever hydrogen energy station at the Hyundai America Technical Center (HATCI) in Chino, California. (more) India's new hydrogen fuel cell car 1/9/06.Mahindra & Mahindra will introduce the country’s first locally developed hydrogen fuel vehicle, the HY-Alpha, a hybrid Scorpio at the Auto Expo 2006. It will run on compressed hydrogen gas with a tank capacity of 1.3 kg and return 175 km. The price of the vehicle will be announced at the expo starting on January 12. Quantum Programs to Receive $6.95 Million Department of Defense Funding 1/6/06. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., (Nasdaq: QTWW) will receive $6.95 million in funding under the fiscal year 2006 Appropriations Bill for the Department of Defense. These programs follow on Quantum's successes with the U.S. Army, wherein Quantum developed and demonstrated the "Aggressor AMV," a high performance light-duty off-road fuel cell hybrid vehicle, and the recently completed "HyHauler MHI," a transportable hydrogen refueling station designed for rapid refueling of military vehicles and silent watch power generators. (more) BMW unveils world's fastest hydrogen car 12/30/05. BMW unveiled the world’s fastest hydrogen- car at the Paris auto show. The H2R does 0 to 60 mph in about six seconds and has a top speed of 188 mph. The H2R doesn’t operate on fuel cells but rather uses a modified 6-liter, 12-cylinder combustion engine for its propulsion. Like fuel cells, the H2R's engine essentially emits nothing but water. (more) Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prius Test's in U.S. 12/27/05. The Public Works department of Burlington, Connecticut, will be receiving a fuel cell Toyota Prius hybrid next year as part of a country-wide program to demonstrate the efficacy of using hydrogen as an alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. The New England site will be of special interest since it will be conducted in realistic cold weather conditions. The U.S. Department of Energy is funding the project. Nissan begins leasing UTC fuel cell powered car in Japan 12/26/05. Nissan Motor Company has begun leasing its fuel cell powered X-Trail SUVs in Japan. Nissan received approval from the Japanese government on Dec. 13 to run it on public roads. The car is powered by a UTC fuel cell and has a range of more than 370 kilometers. . The fuel cell stack has been decreased in size by 60% from the previous model. Power has been boosted from 85 kW to 90 kW, allowing a maxium speed of 150 kilometers per hour. Nissan is working a new model FCV that will have a range of 500 kilometers. Mitsubishi hybrid offers fuel cell potential 12/23/05. A petrol engine used in conjunction with four electric motors within the wheels will power the company's CT MIEV vehicle. Mitsubishi claims this unique technology allows space for the vehicle's battery system, or further down the line, fuel cell stacks and hydrogen tanks.It is hoped the car will be available to the Japanese market by 2010. The car "provides a glimpse into the future of the next generation electric vehicles". (more) Fuel Cell powered ice refinisher debuts 12/13/05. The first-ever hydrogen fuel-cell powered ice resurfacer – a machine that smoothes the surface of ice skating and hockey rinks – is making its Canadian debut today in the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver, British Columbia. ePower Synergies, Inc. announced today that the eP-ICEBEAR will be the centerpiece of its display at the Electric Drive Transportation Association EDTA exhibition being held at Canada Place in Vancouver. (more) Vermont Gets Hydrogen Car Grant 12/22/05. Vermont will take part in a project to demonstrate the practicality of hydrogen-powered cars, receiving a nearly one-million dollar grant from the Dept. of Energy aimed at moving the nation off fossil fuels. Already, the first hydrogen fueling station in New England is under construction near the Burlington Electric Department headquarters on Pine St. It will take power from a nearby B.E.D.-owned wind turbine, taking the hydrogen out of water and using the gas to power a car. (more) Mazda to begin leasing Hydrogen RX-8 in 2006 12/21/05. Mazda announced it will begin leasing its hydrogen powered RX-8 in Japan at the beginning of 2006, a year ahead of schedule. The car will be featured at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2006. Hyundai to commercialize Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car in 2010 12/21/05. Hyundai Motor Co. announced it plans to commercialize a hydrogen fuel cell powered version of its Tucson sports utility vehicle by 2010. It intends to road test the vehicles in the U.S. in 2009. Zebotek and Fluck test fuel cell boat 1/5/06. German electrolyser manufacturer Zebotec and Fluck boat rentals tested a fuel cell boat on Lake Constance. The prototype delivers up to 800 W, enough for two hours on the lake with two passengers on board. Zebotek hopes to have a bigger, more powerful fuel cell powered boat available next year, with a tank sufficient to power the boat for two days. China partners with Europe in Hydrogen Filling Station Project 1/3/06. The research proposal by an international team on hydrogen research, dubbed HyApproval, has won the support of the Sixth European Commission Framework Program for Research and Technological Development (FP6). A research group led by Prof. LI Qing from the CAS Institute of Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry is a partner of the research consortium.The aim of the nearly four-million-euro project is to make a handbook for hydrogen refuelling stations to be used to certify them in Europe. (more) UC Berkeley Researchers Get Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car 12/27/05. The DaimlerChrysler Corporation delivered the F-Cell to researchers at UC Berkeley's California Partners for Advanced Transit and Highways this week as part of a project to study how the vehicle works in real-life surroundings. (more) Cidetec Technology's Fuel Cell Bicycle 12/22/05. Cidetec Technology Centre’s Energy Department has designed a prototype for a fuel cell bicycle. The project is financed by the Gipuzkoa Provincial Government. The pedalling action is assisted by a PEM fuel cell powered motor. (more) Toyota pioneers forklift fuel cell development 12/8/05. World forklift technology leader Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) has independently developed the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell hybrid system for forklift trucks. The prototype TOYOTA FCHV-F featuring the system was displayed at CeMAT, the world’s leading trade fair for intralogistics, in Hannover, Germany, in October. (more) OSCar fuel cell car wins development grant 12/7/05. OSCar Automotive has been awarded a grant by the BOC Foundation to develop a powertrain for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. The Hyrban concept car will have electric motors in each of its four wheels. These will be mainly powered by a fuel cell, generating 6kW - less power than needed to run four electric kettles, so very little hydrogen will need to be stored. The vehicle's motors will generate power when the brakes are applied, enabling the Hyrban to reach speeds of 50mph. Researchers hope that the project will prove fuel cell cars are ready to be developed with existing technologies and are an efficient way of travel that could be translated into a long-term solution. (more) Masterflex AG receives first order for fuel cell bikes 11/28/05. Masterflex AG is supplying the world's first fleet of fuel cell powered bikes to the city of Herten in North Rhine-Westphalia. Among other things, the fuel cell bicycles will be incorporated into the overall tourism concept of the district of Recklinghausen and Ruhr- Touristik GmbH. Day trips for tourists in Germany's famous Ruhr area should be on offer in time for the 2006 World Cup. (more) Hydrogenics Fuel Cell 'Midi' Bus Receives German TUV Road Certification 12/2/05. Germany's TÜV Rheinland Group awarded Hydrogenics Corp's (NASDAQ: HYGS; TSX: HYG) fuel cell 'Midi Bus' road certification, allowing it to be put into full public transit service in Germany. The hybrid power architecture was developed by Hydrogenics, on a Technobus Gulliver midi bus platform, with financial support from the European Union and the German state of North-Rhine Westphalia. (more) ENV Fuel Cell Motorbike Receives 'Best of What's New' Award 11/28/05. Intelligent Energy’s ENV fuel cell bike has received a prestigious ‘Best of What’s New’ award in the General Innovations category of Popular Science's ‘Best of What’s New Awards’. The ENV bike is built around Intelligent Energy’s CORE fuel cell, demonstrating the real, everyday applicability of fuel cell technology. The CORE, which is completely detachable from the bike, is a radically compact and efficient fuel cell, capable of powering anything from a motorboat to a small domestic property. (more) Nuvera Teams with Fiat On Fuel Cell Development 12/2/05. Nuvera, Fiat Powertrain Technologies and Centro Ricerche Fiat are developing a fuel cell system that will allow automakers to produce a technically, economically and environmentally viable fuel cell vehicle in the near future. The Andromeda II technology, along with Nuvera’s low cost, non-coated metallic stack architecture and Centro Ricerche Fiat’s simplified plant architecture, would allow OEMs to introduce viable fuel cell vehicles more quickly than once thought possible. (more) Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars in Beijing 11/25/05. BEIJING Public Transportation Corp yesterday received three new Daimler-Chrysler fuel cell passenger cars. Prototypes of the "green" vehicle fleet serving the Beijing Olympics, will be used in Beijing's high-tech zone, or Zhongguancun Area, for public transport in an 8.19-kilometer route. The Beijing Public Transportation Corporation has prepared all facilities for hydrogen refilling, which is vital for fuel cell cars, data collection systems, training for drivers and service management. (more) High Schoolers build Fuel Cell Car 11/22/05. Students at Los Altos High School's Academy of Engineering had fueling problems. They couldn't find a company willing to fill the tank of their hydrogen fuel cell-powered car with pressurized hydrogen gas. There were liability issues associated with the high-pressure gas, the students said. After extensive research, Chris Liu, 17, came up with a solution he thinks might work - using a metal hydride system to store "slush" hydrogen (a mixture of solid and liquid hydrogen) at lower pressure. (more) Germany sells Israel two Fuel Cell Submarines 11/23/05. The brand new Dolphin submarines, which together cost Israel £0.68 billion, are able to remain submerged for weeks on end due to their fuel cell engines, which are capable of turning oxygen and hydrogen into power. The Germans' U31 craft use nine Siemens proton exchange membrane fuel cells, which produce electrical energy from oxygen and hydrogen and provide up to 50 Watts of energy each. (more) Proton Energy gets $1.9 Million for hydrogen filling station research 11/30/05. Proton Energy Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Distributed Energy Systems Corp., has received its third consecutive award, worth $1.9 million, from the University of Nevada Las Vegas Research Foundation to continue its work on hydrogen fueling stations for automobiles and other motor vehicles. The fueling-station unit under development will be located at the Las Vegas Valley Water District, and technological investigations will be carried out both there and in Proton’s central Connecticut facilities. (more) UTC Rolls Out Fuel Cell Bus 11/21/05. UTC Power, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., unveiled a bus powered by a fuel cell. UTC’s 40-foot Van Hool Hydrogen A330 bus can reach 65 miles per hour and travels 250-to-300 miles before refueling. The bus features a hybrid-electric drive system and a so-called 120-kW PureMotion fuel cell power system. (more) UTC fuel cell powers new bus 11/18/05. The U.S. hydrogen highway picked up speed on Thursday as SunLine Transit Agency showcased its new commercial fuel cell powered bus at the 2005 Fuel Cell Seminar. The bus features a hybrid-electric drive system with a PureMotion(TM) 120 fuel cell power system built by UTC Power. (more) Ballard powered fuel cell buses in China 11/25/05. Three fuel cell powered buses were launched in China today. The buses, powered with Ballard® heavy-duty fuel cell engines, will enter revenue service in the city as part of a two-year demonstration project being led by the Chinese Ministry of Science & Technology, with support from both the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Program. (more) Truckers Choose Hydrogen Fuel Injection 11/16/05. Hundreds of semitrailer trucks zipping along North American highways are now powered in part by hydrogen. These 18-wheelers make hydrogen as they go, eliminating the need for high-pressure, cryogenic storage tanks or hydrogen filling stations, which, by the way, don't yet exist. These truckers aren't just do-gooders. They like Canadian Hydrogen Energy's Hydrogen Fuel Injection, or HFI, system because it lets them save fuel, get more horsepower and, as a bonus, cause less pollution. (more) NRL demonstrates fuel cell-powered unmanned aerial system 11/23/05. The Naval Research Laboratory demonstrated an unmanned aerial system flight solely powered by fuel cell technology. The flight of the 5.6-pound 'Spider-Lion" lasted 3 hours, 19 minutes and consumed 15-grams of compressed hydrogen gas. The project is a joint venture between the NRL and Protonex Technology Corporation. The flight was conducted with L-3 - BAI Aerosystems at their Ragged Island facility on Maryland's Eastern Shore. (more) Hyundai opens $56 Million Fuel Cell R&D Facility 11/14/05. A US$58m R&D facility in Mabuk will be the new home of Hyundai’s ongoing drive into fuel cell electric vehicles, gas-electric hybrid vehicles and end-of-life vehicle recycling. Hyundai is investing heavily in next-generation green vehicles. The five-storey facility is home to 200 researchers and more than 400 pieces of high-tech equipment. Facilities include a 700-bar hydrogen filling station, a fuel-cell endurance tester, an emissions lab, dynamometers and other specialized equipment for testing electric propulsion systems. (more) 10 Million Fuel Cell Vehicles Possible by 2020 11/21/05. There could be 10 million fuel cell vehicles globally by 2020. The Hydrogen Economy is at least 20 years away for developed countries. But long term change requires short term change. China, India and Brazil have already developed active programmes of research on hydrogen fuel cells. By developing their hydrogen roadmaps now, developing countries have the opportunity to monitor progress in the North and make informed, strategic decisions concerning this latest wave of technological change. These are among the many issues discussed at the conference on hydrogen fuel cells, their applications and implications for developing countries, hosted by United Nations University Institute for New Technologies. (more) Conference features hydrogen-powered "Ice Bear" 11/8/05. The demonstration of the zero-emission ice resurfacing machine, powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, is a highlight of a hydrogen energy conference starting Monday in Grand Forks. UND's Energy and Environmental Research Center includes $8 million of hydrogen research, with $50 million in research contracts expected in the near term, said EERC Director Gerald Groenewald. The EERC is working on a $2.7 million hydrogen research center. (more) Toyota: no extension yet of fuel-cell pact with GM 11/3/05. Toyota Motor Corp. and General Motors have not decided yet to extend a pact under which the two automakers cooperate in research on fuel-cell vehicles, a Toyota spokesman said on Wednesday. The comment was in response to earlier media reports that GM Chairman Rick Wagoner and Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe would agree on an extension when they met in Tokyo on Wednesday. (more) NanoDynamics using nano technology to develop fuel cells 11/9/05. NanoDynamics in Buffalo, N.Y., is developing fuel cells that employ nanotechnology to help supply power for longer times at less weight and size than batteries or conventional fuel cells. One 50-watt solid oxide fuel-cell prototype, roughly the size of a loaf of bread, is composed of roughly 20 percent nanomaterials and can generate some 3,000 watt-hours of electricity from just 5 pounds of propane. A conventional solid oxide fuel cell given that little propane would generate only one-half to one-third as many watt-hours. (more) LA Airport adds fuel cell vehicle 11/8/05. The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners today approved a participant agreement with Mercedes-Benz USA, its parent-company DaimlerChrysler Corporation, and the U.S. Department of Energy to evaluate the use of a prototype zero-emission passenger vehicle that utilizes a hydrogen-fuel cell drive system in a real-world setting. It will become the only U.S. airport to participate in the "Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure emonstration and Validation Project" awarded to DaimlerChrysler by the U.S. DOE. (more) Home Hydrogen Refueling With Honda's Home Energy Station III 11/14/05. Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in conjunction with technology partner Plug Power Inc., today introduced the Home Energy Station III, which provides heat and electricity for the home as well as fuel for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle. This third generation unit, located at the company's North American headquarters in Torrance, California, is more compact and efficient than previous Home Energy Station models. (more) Hydrogenics Completes Forklift Pilot Deployments at GM and FedEx 11/1/05. Hydrogenics Corporation (TSX:HYG; NASDAQ:HYGS), successfully completed forklift field trials at GM of Canada's car assembly plant in Oshawa and FedEx Canada's hub at Toronto International Airport. The field trials successfully addressed all 'battery' limitations. Not only were the forklifts operating at full power at the beginning and end of each shift, they were also refueled by the forklift operators, as needed, in two minutes or less from Hydrogenics' indoor refueling station. (more) Israeli car makes its own hydrogen 10/25/05. A system that can produce Hydrogen inside a car using common metals such as Magnesium and Aluminum was developed by an Israeli company. It solves all of the obstacles associated with hydrogen cars. When it becomes commercial in a few years time, the cars will cost about the same as existing conventional cars to run, and will be completely emission free. (more) Enova reports fuel cell sales in Asia-Pacific 10/25/05. Enova Systems says that Chinese automaker First Auto Works has ordered five more 90kW HybridPower parallel hybrid drive systems for a fleet of buses for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, taking the total number ordered to eight. FAW should place bigger orders once the evaluation phase is completed. In Korea, Hyundai Motor has ordered seven additional 80kW motors and motor controllers for its fuel-cell powered Tucson SUV. Hyundai intends to order a total of 42 of these propulsion systems as part of their fleet of fuel cell vehicles being produced in response to the US Department of Energy's controlled hydrogen fleet and infrastructure demonstration and validation project. (more) Ford Delivers More Hydrogen Focus Fuel Cell Vehicles to California 10/25/05. Ford is handing over three hybrid hydrogen Ford Focus Fuel Cell vehicles as part of a seven-city 30-car program to conduct real world testing of fuel cell technology. The California Air Resources Board (CARB), the California Energy Commission (CEC), and the California Department of General Services (DGS) will each get one vehicle in addition to five already delivered to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. (more) Germany commissions two fuel cell submarines 10/21/05. Two fuel cell-powered submarines have been commissioned by the German navy in an environmental first for the underwater world, reports DDP. The navy received a U31 and a U32, both class 212 submarines using fuel cell technology, in September and yesterday commissioned them as part of its fleet. (more) Automakers steer fuel-cell cars to California roads 8/31/05. GM, Honda, and BMW are introducing Fuel Cell cars to California. BMW may have a leg up to market a new car in California and Europe powered by a gasoline engine and a hydrogen fuel cell system. The German automaker plans to offer a limited number of the new model in its 7 Series in 2010. The state's "hydrogen blueprint," calls for up to 2,000 hydrogen vehicles and 100 refueling stations by 2010 at an estimated cost of $54 million. Depending on the results of the first phase, California would aim for 20,000 hydrogen vehicles and 250 fuel stations. (more) Toyota's Fuel Cell SUV certified 8/18/05. Toyota's hydrogen fuel cell hybrid sports utility vehicle has been certified by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. It is the first fuel cell powered SUV to receive certification under the country's Road Vehicles Act. Toyota plans to sell hydrogen vehicles by 2015. The car company is the world's first to market fuel cell vehicles, but very few have been marketed. 11 have been leased in Japan and five in the US. Toyota's SUV, called the FCHV, is said to have higher reliability and durability than the previous model. It has a new high-pressure storage tank that can be used for 15 years, compared to the previous three-year lifespan. The company is actively applying its fuel cell technology to Japanese public buses, particularly in the capital city, Tokyo. Ballard Shareholders Approve the Sale of German Subsidiary to DaimlerChrysler and Ford 8/30/05. The shareholders of Ballard Power Systems (TSX:BLD) (NASDAQ:BLDP) today approved the sale of the company's German subsidiary, Ballard Power Systems AG (BPSAG), to DaimlerChrysler AG (DaimlerChrysler) and Ford Motor Company (Ford). The transaction received overwhelming support, with 97.65% of shares voted, excluding those of DaimlerChrysler and Ford, in favor of the sale. (more) Toyota Fuel Cell Prius test drive major success 8/16/05. A prototype hydrogen-fueled car gets a definite thumbs up from Ted Curtis. Curtis got a chance Monday to test drive a fuel cell powered Toyota Prius developed by Michigan-based Energy Conversion Devices Inc. ``I was ready to find shortcomings,'' he said. ``But I didn't find any.... It was extremely quiet. You don't hear the engine. It handles well. It has pickup. There was no power lag. It really took me by surprise. I was very impressed.'' (more) H2 Truck Ready for Sale in Europe 9/6/05. Danish based H2 Truck ApS – a joint venture between A Flensborg A/S and H2 Logic ApS has launched the H2 Truck, a small utility vehicle suitable for transport applications at hospitals and airports. The H2 Truck is intended for internal transportation in industries, warehouses, hospitals, airports and other applications with a need for non-polluting light transport. The H2 Truck is powered by a Ballard Nexa fuel cell module which has a refilling time of 2-3 minutes compared to the 10-12 hours recharge time of batteries. (more) Shanghai Automotive to sell Fuel Cell Vehicles before 2010 8/27/05. Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC), one of China's biggest automakers, on Friday unveiled its plans for new-energy-powered vehicles over the next three to five years. SAIC will start small-volume commercial production of hydrogen-powered fuel-cell cars before 2010. Last November the company signed a joint agreement with GM on hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles in China, mainly using the United States auto giant's technology. (more) Fuel Cell System Business Will Operate as NuCellSys
GmbH Ballard Announces Supply Agreement for Fuel Cell-Powered Lift Truck Market 8/20/05. Ballard Power Systems (TSX:BLD) (NASDAQ:BLDP) today announced that is has signed an Equipment Supply Agreement with Cellex Power(TM) Products, Inc. to deliver 27 Mk 902 4.8 kilowatt fuel cells to Cellex for integration into its power units for its upcoming beta trials. Cellex's power products are designed to replace industrial lead acid batteries in electric lift trucks used in high throughput distribution centers. (more) VW developing Solar-Hydrogen Filling Station 8/31/05. Carmaker Volkswagen has revealed plans to develop a solar-hydrogen filling station as part of its continuing research into the use of fuel cells. The station will be installed at the company's research centre in Lower Saxony in Germany and has been co-developed with the German solar energy company Solvis. The new facility will allow for advanced testing of fuel cell powered vehicles that can also generate energy from sunlight. The station will use solar panels to produce enough electricity to release the hydrogen from water using electrolysis. (more) ENV fuel cell bike has feel of the future 8/26/05. The ENV is the world's first hydrogen fuel cell motorcycle. The futuristic bike is powered by a one-kilowatt fuel cell married to an electric battery to produce six kilowatts -- enough to propel it to its 80-kilometres-an-hour top speed in about 12 seconds. Andy Eggleston, ENV project director, says the future will see biomass easily converted to hydrogen, perhaps in your garage. (more) New Report: Fuel Cell Vehicles — Revolutionizing Automotive Industry 8/10/05. It has been estimated that commercialization of this technology will render a steep rise in the fuel cell sales from $25 million in 2000 to $450 million in 2005. The report reveals the efforts that are being put globally to overcome the technical and economical hurdles with an aim to change the future of the automotive industry. It discusses the current scenario of the industry, the government policies and future plans, and the leading energy and automotive companies. This report gives an insight on the manufacturers of key components of fuel cells designed for use in motor vehicles in countries outside the United States as well as the technical progress of companies in the global market. (more) Toyota demonstration fuelled by Air Products’ hydrogen 8/4/05. Air Products recently supplied hydrogen to Toyota’s Technology Seminar 2005 which took place in Gründau, near Frankfurt, Germany. Amongst the vehicles being demonstrated was Toyota’s latest Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV). This vehicle has been designed to run on a combination of hydrogen fuel cell and battery power to maximise the efficiency of the powertrain…(more) Cidetec unveils prototype fuel cell bike 7/29/05. CIDETEC exposed a prototype of an electric bicycle with an assisted cycling designed in its laboratories. This bicycle is powered by a hydrogen/air polymeric membrane fuel cell. The battery, the control module and the compressed hydrogen bottle are placed on the carrier and the frame. The estimated autonomy of this prototype is 25 km, similar to the one provided by the original battery. (more) European CUTE Fuel Cell Bus Project Concludes Successfully 8/11/05. Nations involved in the Clean Urban Transport for Europe project concluded a two-year test of Mercedes Benz fuel-cell buses - 30 total - in 10 European cities. Tim Sasseen, a senior field service engineer Ballard Power Systems--Ballard partnered on the buses with DaimlerChrysler, Shell Hydrogen and Icelandic New Energy--said, "It's gone much better than expected. In every city, the buses increased the service, and the response of passengers was very favorable." (more) Hydrogenics Provides Mid-Year Update on Light Mobility Initiatives 7/29/05. Hydrogenics Corp. (TSX:HYG) (NASDAQ:HYGS), reports that the Company's light mobility program, undertaken two years ago as a key strategic priority, is achieving desired outcomes in the areas of targeted early adopter engagement, focused product development, and potential distribution channels. Hydrogenics targets fuel cell-ultracapacitor hybrid forklifts, specifically for 24 hour operations, believing that forklifts might be one of the first viable markets to adopt fuel cell technology. (more) Nuvera Andromeda II now available for fuel cell vehicles 8/09/05. Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc., announced that its next generation fuel cell stack, the Andromeda II, achieved several milestones in recent qualification tests at its facility in Milan, Italy. The new stack exceeded expectations for power density, cold-start capability, system efficiency, durability, and high-volume production cost. The Andromeda II generates 125 kW (168 horsepower) and is currently available for delivery to qualified fuel cell vehicle developers. Asia Pacific contracted to demo 40 fuel cell scooters 8/5/05. Taiwan’s Ministry of Economics awarded Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies, Ltd. of Taiwan a grant to produce a 40-vehicle fleet demonstration program of hybrid fuel cell powered scooters, marking an an important milestone in the push towards fuel cell commercialization. Thel proposed program budget is over US$4.6 million. The stated goals of the fleet demonstration program are to validate hybrid fuel cell/Li ion battery power technology and its application to a scooter motorcycle, demonstrate hydrogen supply, storage and distribution technology and validate the metal hydride based hydrogen infrastructure for fuel cell scooters. (more)
Air Products Selects FuelCell Energy for Development of Next Generation Hydrogen Energy Station 8/3/05. Air Products (NYSE: APD) announced today that it has awarded a subcontract to FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NasdaqNM:FCEL) under a United States Department of Energy (DOE) Cooperative Agreement to evaluate, design and demonstrate a next-generation Hydrogen Energy Station (HES). The HES will build upon FuelCell Energy's ultra-clean Direct FuelCell(R) (DFC(R)) power plants and Air Products' advanced gas separation technologies. The HES is directed toward co-producing hydrogen for vehicle fueling and electrical power from a single system. The HES effort will be directed toward a capability of using readily available fuels such as natural gas, propane and anaerobic digester gas from municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities. (more) Hydrogen fuel cell solution may come from Finland 8/17/05. This firm makes unique, patented hydrogen fuel cells about the size of the batons used in relay races. Two of them attached to a small battery and an electric motor can power a bicycle at about 10 to 15 miles per hour. Mass produced, they'll sell for about $50 each, meaning enough to power a car would cost $1,000, far less than any new automotive engine today. The hydrogen supply is produced electrically using solar panels. (more) Intelligent Energy Secures $14 Million Equity Financing 7/21/05. Intelligent Energy Holdings Plc announced that it has secured up to 8 million pounds Sterling (approximately $14 million) in additional equity financing, to be raised in 2 stages, 2.56 million pounds Sterling (approximately $4.5 million) immediately and 5.44 million pounds Sterling (approximately $9.5 million) thereafter from Evolution Placements Corporation. (more) Astris Energi to Exhibit Fuel Cell Golf Cart at Canadian National Exhibition 8/11/05. Astris Energi Inc. (OTCBB:ASRNF) will be exhibiting it's Freedom Golf Car, the world's first alkaline fuel cell powered golf car fuelled by hydrogen, at the Canadian National Exhibition. Powered by Astris' 1.0 kW Power Generator, it has a top cruising speed of 31 kph with better acceleration, hill climbing and extended range compared with a conventional battery-powered model. The car is fuelled by a 33-litre, refillable, carbon fibre hydrogen tank that can last up to 3 days under typical usage. The hydrogen tank can be re-filled within minutes. (more) CMR Fuel Cells Completes Series B Funding 7/15/05. CMR Fuel Cells, the winner of the 2005 Carbon Trust Innovation Award, has completed a series-B funding round from a syndicate of institutional and individual investors. The amount of funds was not made public but it will be used to strengthen and accelerate CMR’s technical and commercial development. CMR is a fuel cell stack technology and the company's patented design architecture aims to make fuel cells 10 times smaller and more powerful and up to 80% cheaper than competing products. It is developing fuel cell stacks for use in applications such as battery chargers, auxiliary power units, laptops, power tools, robotic devices, portable generators, and portable military applications. (more) Teledyne Delivers 12 Kilowatt PEM Fuel Cell Power Plant to NASA 8/10/05. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated announced that Teledyne Energy Systems, Inc., delivered a 12 kW Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell power plant to NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The delivery completes Phase II of Teledyne Energy Systems' contract awarded in 2001 to develop a more reliable, powerful, and low maintenance fuel cell power plant for use in future NASA spacecraft. (more) John Deere develops new fuel cell 7/28/05. John Deere engineers have developed a hydrogen fuel cell and placed it in one of their most popular machines. The cell will soon be unveiled at a Canadian exhibition about the positive uses of hydrogen. One model of the fuel cell, currently running a John Deere Gator, can produce five kilowatts of electricity, which could power an entire home for about three hours. The vehicle powered by the fuel cell will be on display at Toronto's Hydrogen Village. (more) Ford Hydrogen Buses coming to Lehigh Valley 8/5/05. Two hydrogen-powered shuttle buses will pull into the Lehigh Valley early next year, staying for a two-year test that should give many Valley residents their first view of a hydrogen-powered vehicle. One bus will be used for campus transportation at the Trexlertown headquarters of Air Products and Chemicals Inc., the world's largest supplier of hydrogen. The other bus will be based at the Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology in South Whitehall Township, where it will be used for trips to schools and other educational efforts. Both buses, to be built by Ford Motor Co., will fill up at a specialized fuel station at Air Products' Trexlertown campus. (more) Honda will go it alone on fuel-cell cars unless GM comes knocking 8/5/05. Honda Motor Co. will work alone to develop fuel-cell cars but is open to the idea of joint research with General Motors Corp., President Takeo Fukui said in an interview Thursday. "We are not counting on other automakers" to help develop the fuel-cell cars, Fukui said, denying a report in the Yomiuri Shimbun earlier in the day that Honda, GM and BMW had agreed to work together to develop hydrogen-powered vehicle technology so the cars would be more marketable. (more) Honda, BMW, and GM in fuel cell alliance 8/4/05. Honda, GM, and BMW hope to standardize technologies so they can sell fuel cell-powered vehicles around the world. The manufacturers are betting fuel cells will power the next generation of automobiles, replacing dwindling supplies of gasoline as crude oil runs out or becomes prohibitively expensive. The manufacturers hope the collaboration will reduce development costs and plan to standardize fuel nozzles and other parts, according to the report. GM and Toyota may part ways on fuel cells 7/31/05. GM and Toyota were due to share technologies to develop hybrid vehicles running on fuel cell technologies. The latest reports in claims that the companies have decided to part their ways over conflicts over the technology sharing issue. They are now going to scrap a planned fuel-cell vehicle joint venture over this disagreement. However, the companies might still continue to co-operate with each other on research and development in environmental technology for automobiles. (more) Honda FCX Integrates Hydrogen Station Locating Navigation System 7/28/05. Honda announced today that all hydrogen fuel cell-powered 2005 FCX vehicles will be equipped with a Honda developed navigation system. This new navigation system is the first in the world to incorporate the location of hydrogen stations, including stations being developed as part of California's "Hydrogen Highway" Initiative. (more) Titanium and Nanotubes Improve Fuel Cell Storage Capacity 7/27/05. Researchers at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Turkey's Bilkent University discovered that titanium-crusted carbon nanotubes could meet two key requirements for efficient hydrogen storage: the abilities to latch on to hydrogen molecules in adequate numbers and to relinquish the hydrogen readily when heated. Fuel cell vehicles require a 6 percent minimum storage capacity. The carbon nanotubes, decorated with titanium or other transition metals, can amass a predicted 8 percent of the nanotubes' weight worth of hydrogen. (more) Test Drive DaimlerChrysler F-Cell 7/25/05. Fuel-cell vehicles, like the DaimlerChrysler F-Cell I drove, are being billed as the transportation of the future. After five days and 133 miles in an F-Cell, I can see the potential as well as the hurdles."We hear a lot about people talking about hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in the short term. That's not reality," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal. "What is reality is that we have come a long way from where we started in the early to mid-'90s." (more) DaimlerChrysler supplies fuel-cell-powered buses to Beijing 7/22/05. Three fuel-cell-powered Mercedes-Benz
Citaro urban buses were handed over to a high-ranking delegation from
China at the DaimlerChrysler AG bus and coach plant in Mannheim. The buses
will arrive in China in mid-September as part of a fuel cell project which
has been specifically conceived for the Chinese market. The fuel-cell-powered
Citaro buses will enter regular service on a 19 km long route in Beijing,
which is extremely busy and passes the world-famous Summer Palace as well
as the site for the next Olympic Games. (more) Singapore F-Cell test shows positive result 7/21/05. DaimlerChrysler deployed six Mercedes-BEnz A-Class cars powered by fuel cells, or hydrogen-based fuel, in Singapore, to gain empirical evidence for the development of such vehicles and to define international standards. "Based on the results in Singapore, our company is convinced that this really is the car of the future," DaimlerChrysler Program Leader of the Singapore Fuel Cell Fleet project, Udo Loersch, told a recent technology symposium held in Jakarta. (more) UTC Power's Fuel Cell for Cars Achieves Trouble-free Milestone 7/19/05. UTC Power, a division of United Tec |