Autoblog

Buckeye Bullet 2 claims land speed record for fuel cell vehicles, 300.992 mph

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:33:00 EST

We first heard about the Buckeye Bullet 2 about two years ago when we covering the Ford Fusion 999 land speed record project. The student engineering team from Ohio State University was collaborating with engineers from Ford and the two teams shared data on improving performance of the fuel cell and electric motor system. While Ford finished the Fusion program after setting a 207 mph record, the OSU team has soldiered on.

This week at the Bonneville Salt Flats the team made another attempt at hitting their target of 300 mph. After making the required two passes in opposite directions, the hydrogen fueled streamliner finally topped the magic mark. Over the flying mile, the car averaged 299.900 mph. In the flying kilometer, the average was 300.992 mph, with a top recorded speed of 304 mph. That makes this the first hydrogen vehicle to top 300 mph and the fastest FIA recorded speed for an electric drive vehicle. The original battery powered Buckeye Bullet 1 has a national record of 314.958 mph and maximum recorded speed of 321.834 mph.

[Source: Buckeye Bullet Blog]

Buckeye Bullet 2 claims land speed record for fuel cell vehicles, 300.992 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz launches B-Class F-Cell, leases to begin in early 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Electric

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in April, Mercedes-Benz announced its plans to begin small-scale series production of a new hydrogen fuel cell-powered automobile called the F-Cell. According to the German automaker, the car is nearly ready to launch, with 200 vehicles slated to be leased throughout the United States and Europe early next year.

The front-wheel drive F-Cell is based on Mercedes-Benz' B-Class platform and uses a 100 kW electric motor that puts out an impressive 214 lb-ft of torque. M-B claims this powertrain will offer comparable performance to a 2.0-liter gas-powered automobile (the run to 60 will take under 11 seconds) while returning the equivalent of 86.6 mpg on the European combined cycle.

Sandwiched under the car's floor will be a 1.4 kWh lithium ion battery that recaptures energy normally lost to braking. We'd also figure that battery pack will provide an even flow of electrons to the motor while the fuel cell hums away silently. Range is quoted at around 250 miles and Mercedes claims a hydrogen recharge time of just three minutes. Expect more details on the car to emerge at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Full press release after the break.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz F-Cell

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz launches B-Class F-Cell, leases to begin in early 2010

Mercedes-Benz launches B-Class F-Cell, leases to begin in early 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese oil, gas companies to tackle hydrogen fueling infrastructure

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Electric

Toyota Highlander FCV - Click above for a high-res image gallery

A consortium of 13 Japanese oil and gas companies are collaborating in an effort to commercialize technologies enabling convenient refueling of hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2015. Coincidentally (or not), that date goes hand-in-hand with Toyota's target for selling hydrogen vehicles on the retail level.

According to the Nikkei in Japan (via Trading Markets), unnamed automakers are considering joining the group, which expects to start field-testing dozens of hydrogen refueling stations across Japan in short order. It's hoped that the oil companies can generate the hydrogen and the gas companies can use their existing pipelines and stations to transport it at a cost comparable to gasoline.

Considering that the great promise of hydrogen is its lack of tailpipe emissions, we can only hope the oil and gas companies find a way to generate the energy carrier in an environmentally friendly manner, even if it's not necessarily the most profitable solution. Sound likely?

Gallery: LA 2007: Toyota Highlander Fuel Cell

[Source: Trading Markets via Fuel Cell Today]

Japanese oil, gas companies to tackle hydrogen fueling infrastructure originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia bigwig reportedly says mass-produced fuel cell cars would cost $50,000 if made today

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Kia, Electric, South Korea

Kia Borrego FCEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's face it: Hydrogen technology still has a ways to go before there's any real chance that we'll all be driving fuel cell cars in lieu of electric or fossil fuel-burning machines. Chief among the issues confronting the widespread adoption of hydrogen for automotive use is manufacturing cost, though that obstacle is currently being worked on. According to Byung Ki-Ahn, general manager of Kia's Mabuk-ri site, "Even if we were producing 50,000 fuel cell cars a year, they would currently have to cost $50,000 each."

While it would be easy for hydrogen proponents to latch on to this statement as good news - and, if true, that pricing is considerably better than we would have predicted - there's more to overcome than just the pricey fuel cell stack. For instance, even if Kia were indeed building 50,000 fuel cell cars per year, there would need to be an adequate infrastructure to support those vehicles. Further, a low cost and eco-friendly process for capturing, storing and transporting large amounts of hydrogen still needs to be developed.

Regardless, it's clear that Kia, along with corporate cousin Hyundai, believe these issues will be worked out in time. When asked where the Korean automaker currently sits on a production-ready hydrogen vehicle, Ki-Ahn said, "On a scale of one to 10, I'd say we we're at six or seven. Before 2020, many people will be hearing about fuel cell vehicles made by Hyundai-Kia."

Gallery: Kia Borrego FCEV

[Source: Galway Independent via Hydrogen Discoveries]

Kia bigwig reportedly says mass-produced fuel cell cars would cost $50,000 if made today originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota reaffirms 2015 release of new hydrogen vehicle

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Toyota, Electric

Toyota Highlander FCV - Click above for high-res image gallery

In 2007, Toyota drove one of its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia. Earlier that same year, a Toyota FCHV drove from Tokyo to Osaka on one tank. The company is certainly in favor of at least researching the technology, and it has repeatedly said that it will start series production of a fuel cell vehicle in the middle of the next decade. At one point, Toyota hinted that 2014 might mark the big year, but that's looking unlikely now.

During a recent shareholders' meeting in Japan, Toyota VP Masatami Takimoto said that Toyota now plans to start production of this new car in 2015. That's still quite soon, as no one expects the hydrogen infrastructure problem to be solved by then. Thanks to Greg B. for the tip!

Gallery: LA 2007: Toyota Highlander Fuel Cell

[Source: AFP]

Toyota reaffirms 2015 release of new hydrogen vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FTC debunks Hydro-Assist Fuel Cell, takes legal action

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green, Electric

Don't you just hate it when the truth gets in the way of a great story? Some of biggest whoppers making the rounds these days involve the use of water for fuel. It's been said before and we'll say it again: claims of massive fuel mileage increases with these systems are false. Now, the Federal Trade Commission has gotten itself involved by taking legal action against Dutchman Enterprises LLC and United Community Services of America Inc., makers of the Hydro-Assist Fuel Cell. The company claims that its unit, which costs a little over a thousand dollars, is guaranteed to improve the fuel mileage of any gasoline-powered car by at least 50%. There's only one little problem. It won't.

According to the FTC, using this device could actually result in net loss of energy. While there is technology out there that can generate electricity from hydrogen, this so-called fuel cell is not the same thing and its use will not result in any of the astonishing claims made by its creators.

[Source: The Press of Atlantic City]

FTC debunks Hydro-Assist Fuel Cell, takes legal action originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan takes fuel cell vehicle on run of the 'Ring

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:42:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Green, Nissan

The undisputed champion of hydrogen fuel cell SUVs at the Nurburgring has been crowned: the Nissan X-Trail FCV. The winning time: 11:58. Of course, it's the winning time because it's the only time -- a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle has never ran the 'Ring before.

After piloting the 120 bhp X-Trail around the world for two years, Nissan engineer Frank Eickholt, decide it was time to take it to the track. The €1.3 million X-Trail was apparently hampered by moist tarmac, so you can expect a redo at some point in the future. Just when you thought the 'Ring craze was as hot as it could get, here come the hydro-powered vehicles to... pour some water on it...

[Source: ZerCustoms]

Nissan takes fuel cell vehicle on run of the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler gets serious about R&D, will increase spending to $21 billion by 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

Click on the image to view high-res shots of the Mercedes F700 concept

Massive amounts of money are being spent in the alternative energy sector of the automotive industry. Last year, Daimler spent $6 billion in research and development and another $2.7 billion on environmental protection. Expect those already rather large sums to increase in the coming years. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche says that the company will "increase these budgets even more and by 2010 we'll invest $21 billion in research and development." Daimler has invested heavily in hydrogen technology and holds twenty-five patents protecting new battery technology for automobile use. Further development will continue to cost a large chunk of change.

Of particular interest is the fact that Daimler intends "to offer at least one model in each of the Mercedes-Benz core model series that is a leader in fuel consumption," according to Zetsche. Despite looming legislation that will require more fuel efficient vehicles, Mercedes-Benz plans on continuing to offer vehicles that will meet the size, performance and luxury demands prospective buyers have come to expect from the premium German marque. Otherwise, it won't be $21 billion well spent.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2007: Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept

[Source: The Car Connection]

Daimler gets serious about R&D, will increase spending to $21 billion by 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford attempting land speed record with Fusion Hydrogen 999 Racer

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Green, Ford

click above image for more high-res pics of Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 Racer

Ford thinks it's time to make hydrogen sexy. Capitalizing on its 10 years of hydrogen research expertise, the automaker is headed to the Bonneville Salt Flats in August to go for a few world land speed records with a hydrogen fuel cell-powered Ford Fusion. Actually, there will be two vehicles going to Bonneville. The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 pictured above is a collaboration with Ballard, Roush and Ohio State University. It features a 770-hp electric motor and is going after the production-based fuel cell-powered vehicle title. We're not sure what the current record is (ha ha, current), or if one even exists, but with 770 hp, we're guessing this Fusion should be good for some serious speed.

The second car is a bit more radical. Ford is working with student engineers from Ohio State University on the Buckeye Bullet 2. This one is a fuel cell-powered racer that will compete in the unlimited class. The "2" in the name should be a tip-off that these guys have tried this before. In 2004, the BB1 ran 315 mph and set the unlimited land speed record for an electric vehicle.

Full press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford attempting land speed record with Fusion Hydrogen 999 Racer

Ford attempting land speed record with Fusion Hydrogen 999 Racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda to let individuals test FCX in 2008; plans cheaper hybrid in 2009

Chris Tutor — Fri, 11 May 2007 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Honda

Click photo for Autoblog Green's FCX test drive.

At a demonstration of its FCX fuel cell concept in Los Angeles, Thursday, Honda confirmed what we reported in December: that they will have a limited number of FCXs on the ground for real-world testing in 2008. USA Today says Honda currently already has two FCX models leased to individuals for $500 month, but the company will add more next year. Honda claims the car gets the hydrogen equivalent of 68 mpg. For our money, we'll wait for the Sportwagen.

At the same event, Honda officials said they were also planning to sell a sub-$25k hybrid within two years to slot below the current Civic hybrid. They said the budget hybrid wouldn't look like other Hondas, claiming current Civic hybrid's sales were outnumbered by the uniquely-designed Prius.

Read about Autoblog Green's November test drive of the FCX here.

[Source: USA Today]

Honda to let individuals test FCX in 2008; plans cheaper hybrid in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2007 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai Motor Show: GM unveils fuel cell E-Flex

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 22:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, GM, Misc. Auto Shows

E-Flex vehicle line executive Tony Posawatz with the fuel cell E-Flex

Following up on the plan they laid out when they revealed the Chevy Volt at the Detroit Auto Show, General Motors has unveiled the second major iteration of the E-Flex platform at the Shanghai Motor Show. The whole premise of E-Flex was to have a plug-in electrically driven vehicle that could accommodate different auxiliary power units for extending the range. E-Flex version two replaces the flex-fuel gas/E85 engine with the latest generation of GM's internally developed fuel cell technology. All the details on the new concept are over at AutoblogGreen.

[Source: General Motors]

Shanghai Motor Show: GM unveils fuel cell E-Flex originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2007 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Army takes delivery of Equinox FCV as Project Driveway kicks off

Alex Nunez — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Technology, Crossover, Chevrolet

The US Army took delivery of the first Chevy Equinox fuel-cell vehicle yesterday during a Washington, D.C. ceremony that marked the kickoff of GM's new Project Driveway initiative. Maj. Gen. Roger A. Nadeau (above), commander of the US Army's Research, Development and Engineering Command, was on hand to accept the keys from GM's Larry Burns and Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

The fuel-cell Equinox will be used for general transportation duties on bases in Virginia and California, and will afford the military additional real-world experience regarding FCV operation, maintenance and logistics. The Army and GM have a history of woking together with FCVs, the most recent example being the Silverado Fuel Cell Truck y into service last year.

In a somewhat humorous aside, the joint press release issued by GM, the Army, and Senator Levin's office notes that the Equinox will be used for "non-tactical" purposes. Hello? It's an Equinox alternative-fuel vehicle. Saying that it's not intended for tactical use is akin to taking out an ad in the newspaper to tell readers the sky is blue.

It's also apparent that not all the Project Driveway FCVs have the new-look face seen on the press photos released last week by GM. The Army's machine (right) has the enlarged grille opening and added intakes in the front bumper, but it's obviously a variation on the old Equinox front end. Looks like a facelift may be on the horizon.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Army takes delivery of Equinox FCV as Project Driveway kicks off

Army takes delivery of Equinox FCV as Project Driveway kicks off originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Sep 2006 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM Sequel will wear a bowtie

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 01:39:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Crossover, GM

During the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, General Motors unveiled a prototype for a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, dubbed the Sequel. At the time, the concept flew under the GM banner, today, the General's vice president of R&D, Larry Burns, announced that the next version will bear the Chevrolet moniker.

The move to badge the fuel-cell vehicle a Chevy is an effort to bring hydrogen power to the masses via its Everyman brand. If GM had decided to place the crossover in one of its luxury divisions, it would give an air of exclusivity that the automaker feels may be detrimental to the future of mass-market fuel-cell vehicles.

The new Sequel is equipped with all-wheel-drive and power is provided by the aforementioned hydrogen fuel-cell system, along with electric motors feeding off of a bank of lithium-ion batteries. Approximately 97 hp will come from the hydrogen fuel cell and 87 hp from the electric motors.

Our friends over at Winding Road have been graciously afforded the first test drive of two fully functional versions of the Chevy Sequel and will be reporting on their experiences in a future issue.

The full press release, along with a few more photos is available after the jump.

[Source: GM via Winding Road]

Continue reading GM Sequel will wear a bowtie

GM Sequel will wear a bowtie originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Sep 2006 01:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan's X-Trail highlights hydrogen fuel cell development

John Neff — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Green, Nissan

Nissan's hydrogen fuel cell laboratory-on-wheels is the FCV X-Trail, and the vehicle's latest iteration highlights the company's 10-year-long commitment to the hail mary pass of automotive emissions technology. Nissan developed the fuel stack for the newest X-Trail inhouse. It's smaller, lighter and develops 120 hp, which is a significant 35 hp more than the 2003 FCV X-Trail.

AutoWeek had the opportunity to drive the new X-Trail and notes that it passes itself off as a capable commuter better than ever. The extra oomph allows the 4,100 lb. SUV to merge with adequate authority and a tougher carbon fiber tank that allows an increase in gas pressure bumps the vehicle's range to 312 miles. Nissan has the Japanese government's approval to test the FCV X-Trail on public roads and begin leasing it. The automaker's made no commitment to when hydrogen fuel cell technology might make it into its lineup, but this latest showcase of technology reveals how close we are to the day when tailpipes emit nothing but water vapor. Now if only there were a BP around with a hydrogen pump...

[Source: AutoWeek]

Nissan's X-Trail highlights hydrogen fuel cell development originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Apr 2006 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit fuzz first with hydrogen fuel cell cop car

John Neff — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Daimler

Well, it's not actually the Detroit police. Those brave souls would do well to soldier on with their heavily armored Crown Vics. It's actually the campus police of Wayne State University in Detroit who have received the first hydrogen fuel cell-powered police vehicle in the world. The vehicle will operate in and around the campus and serve as a "learning laboratory" for WSU students enrolled in the country's first masters-degree program in alternative energy.

The campus po-po's paddy wagon is based on DaimlerChrysler's innovative F-Cell hydrogen vehicle, which has a 100-mile range and a top speed of 85 mph. The electric motor develops 88 horsepower, just enough to run down jaywalkers and truant students. Sixty mph is reached in 16 seconds or next semester, whichever comes first.

[Source: DaimlerChrysler]

Detroit fuzz first with hydrogen fuel cell cop car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Apr 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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