Autoblog

Toyota's production fuel cell car to cost between $50-100k

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:45:00 EST

While the cost of building a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle continues to go down over time, reports over the last few years have steadily maintained that the first Toyota hydrogen-powered vehicles for customers should ring up for around $50,000. Company officials cited this figure way back in 2010, and have reiterated it in subsequent years.

So, while a recent Automotive News report about the cost of Toyota's 2015 Hydrogen car doesn't offer up any new figures, it does offer an interesting pricing wrinkle. According to the report, the "cost factor" for the hydrogen vehicles will be in the $50k ballpark, meaning the retail price could be anywhere from there, up to as much as around $100,000.

While certainly not inexpensive, being able to produce a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle for fifty large is a pretty massive improvement over the prototype cost of a few years ago, when the sticker was about $1 million a pop. While these very expensive prototypes are based on previous-generation Highlanders (pictured above), we're told to expect that the final product will be a lot more in line with the Prius, as far as size and shape.

Toyota's production fuel cell car to cost between $50-100k originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hydrogen-powered Aston Martin Rapide S headed to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring

Zach Bowman — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Technology, Aston Martin, Luxury, Racing

Aston Martin has announced it will both debut and campaign a hydrogen-powered Rapide S at this year's ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The company wants to be the first to manage a zero carbon dioxide emission lap in mainstream racing, and the racecar should be the first hydrogen-powered machine to compete in an international event. The Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S will continue to use a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine for propulsion, though the prototype engine can be fed on either pure gasoline, pure hydrogen or any combination of the two.

In order to do so, Aston Martin had to install a hydrogen fuel rail, tanks and an entirely separate engine management system. The tanks themselves are hewn from ultra-high-strength carbon fiber. The four vessels can hold around 7.7 pounds of hydrogen at 5,076 pounds per square inch of pressure. Two get stashed next to the driver while the other two reside in the car's trunk. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Hydrogen-powered Aston Martin Rapide S headed to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring

Hydrogen-powered Aston Martin Rapide S headed to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force concept is a G-Class for the future

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Electric

Looking to create an entrant for this year's LA Design Challenge, Mercedes-Benz came up with the Ener-G-Force to fit the theme of Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025. Mercedes-Benz says that the styling of the Ener-G-Force builds on many cues from the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and like the original G-Wagen introduced in 1979 as a civilian version of a military vehicle, it didn't take much imagination to envision a civilian version of the Ener-G-Force. Of course, it wouldn't be a futuristic concept vehicle without some sort of advanced powertrain, and the concept unveiled today delivers on this front as well.

From a design standpoint, the Ener-G-Force infuses many elements seen on the G-Class but with a much more modern interpretation giving it a new, yet recognizable appearance. These cues include the sunk-in headlights, turn signals/running lights mounted atop the front fenders, the long, flat roofline and the low, rectangular taillights, but the Ener-G-Force ditches the G-Class' boxy lines in favor of a more rounded shape.

One of the interesting elements of the concept is the roof rack. While it looks like a cargo rack that could be used for a safari, it is actually a way for the vehicle to collect water to store in tanks to then be transferred to a converter that creates hydrogen to power the fuel cells. The batteries for this system are built into the rocker panels, and the hypothetical range for this conceptual system is 500 miles of zero-emission driving. For off-roading purposes, the system uses four independent motors at each wheel and a roof-mounted scanner that adjusts the suspension to best fit the road conditions and terrain.

The Ener-G-Force was one of six entrants for the 2012 LA Design Challenge, and the winning design will be announced on November 29 as a part of the LA Auto Show. Scroll down to read more about the Ener-G-Force in a press release from Mercedes-Benz.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force concept is a G-Class for the future

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force concept is a G-Class for the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz attempts to make an invisible car

Zach Bowman — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Electric

Automakers are engaged in a constant struggle to get their products noticed. From clever advertising to sneaky movie deals and wild stunts, putting a vehicle in front of the public is the first step toward wrangling better sales figures. Mercedes-Benz recently took a different approach for the upcoming hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the F-Cell. While the company rolled out a special version of the car in front of the public, it did its best to hide the hatchback behind a veil of special LED matting. The LEDs were paired to a Canon 5D Mark II on the other side of the car, which supplied video.

As a result, the LEDs project an image of what's on the other side of the vehicle, making the F-Cell effectively invisible. Why hide a new car behind a curtain of techno wizardry? Mercedes-Benz wants to underscore the fact that the F-Cell is a zero-emission vehicle, making it practically invisible in terms of pollution. We see what you did there, Mercedes-Benz. Check out the video for yourself below.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz attempts to make an invisible car

Mercedes-Benz attempts to make an invisible car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota FCV-R Concept is otherworldly

Zach Bowman — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

Toyota is out to prove that the fuel cell vehicle isn't as dead as we thought. Despite the fact that a hydrogen infrastructure is no closer to reality now than it was five years ago, the company unveiled its FCV-R Concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

Engineers snugged the fuel cell unit beneath the passenger cell to preserve passenger and cargo capacity. The FCV-R Concept boasts space for four and their gear, and Toyota claims that the vehicle has a range of around 435 miles. That works for us. Currently, the FCV-R is only a concept, though it's interesting to see Toyota playing with hydrogen fuel cell technology once again.

Will the tech eventually make its way to the road? Here's hoping. Toyota has already made it clear the automaker wants to see the Prius range become its best-selling nameplate in the near future, and a fuel-cell version could be part of those plans. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Toyota FCV-R Concept is otherworldly

Toyota FCV-R Concept is otherworldly originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive successfully completed

Zach Bowman — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Electric

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

Mercedes-Benz has just wrapped up its world tour with the company's F-Cell fuel-cell vehicle. The trio of hydrogen-powered futuristic hatches wandered the entire circumference of the globe and racked up around 18,641 miles each in the process. The whole shebang wrapped up in front of the Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Stuttgart - the exact location where the vehicles began their journey back in January.

The German automaker hopes that the drive will prove that fuel-cell vehicles are a viable alternative to traditional EVs and internal combustion vehicles and that lawmakers and businesses will respond by ramping up the infrastructure necessary to easily operate a fuel-cell auto.

The trip took 70 days and in many instances, the B-Class F-Cell vehicles had to rely on a mobile filling station for their hydrogen needs. Mercedes-Benz says that when fueling stations were available, it took as little as a few minutes to top off the onboard tanks. Hit the jump to check out the full press release, and if you're looking for some insight into what it's like to live with the fuel-cell car, check out our piece on the F-Cell.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive successfully completed

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive successfully completed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: NY Hydrogen station used by GM explodes, closes airport *UPDATE

Zach Bowman — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Technology, GM

Hydrogen faces a number of challenges when it comes to supplanting gasoline as the world's transportation fuel of choice, one of the largest of which was underscored by two small explosions at a Rochester, New York refueling station yesterday. According to reports, two people were injured when a spark ignited the fuel during a tank exchange. Praxair driver Robert Scruggs was transported to Strong Hospital with second-degree burns to his hands and face as a result of the incident, and a female Burger King employee was treated for ear pain in connection with the explosions.

According to local news outlets, Praxair is a supplier for General Motors' fleet of hydrogen vehicles, which refuel at the Rochester station. Autoblog has contacted GM to confirm that this is the same station that the company's fuel-cell ~~Sequel~~ Equinox vehicles use, but we had not heard back as of publication time.

The Greater Rochester International Airport was closed for about 50 minutes due the explosions, and some flights were diverted mid-air while authorities sorted out the cause of the incident. Click on the YNN link below for local news video coverage, as well as on the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle for more information.

*Update: GM spokesperson Scott Fossgard said that the company's fleet of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles have logged over 1.6 million miles with over 16,000 hydrogen fill ups by over 800 drivers. In all of that time, the company has never had an incident like the one in Rochester. While the GM fleet uses the filling station to top off its vehicles this incident did not involve any of GM's vehicles, personnel or customers.

[Sources: YNN, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle]

Report: NY Hydrogen station used by GM explodes, closes airport *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota and Daimler planning "extensive cooperation" on fuel cell development

Eric Loveday — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Toyota Highlander FCHV-adv and Mercedes-Benz F-Cell

Daimler began developing fuel-cell vehicles way back in 1994. To date, the company has spent $1.23 billion on the propulsion technology. Toyota entered into the hydrogen realm even earlier by kicking off development back in 1992. With decades of combined experience, both companies have become front runners in fuel-cell technology. Toyota and Honda became the first automakers to put commercial hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles on the roads back in 2002.

As you are likely aware, Toyota has teamed up with Tesla for development of electric vehicles at NUMMI. Now, a new report suggests that the company may join forces with Daimler (which also holds stake in Tesla) to develop affordable hydrogen-powered vehicles.

According to the Financial Times Deutschland (as reported in Reuters), Toyota and Daimler plan "extensive cooperation in the field of fuel cells for electric cars." The Financial Times also suggests that the collaborative work could take the form of a joint venture. The newspaper contacted both companies for official confirmation, but Toyota denied knowledge of any such deal and Daimler was not available for comment.

Last year, some of the major players in fuel cell technology agreed to work together to promote the adoption of the hydrogen-powered vehicle. Within that group, we saw names like Daimler, Toyota, General Motors, Ford, Honda, Nissan and Hyundai. With so many companies pledging to combine their might on fuel-cell vehicle development, we assumed that some sort of joint venture would emerge. Tim Urquhart, an analyst at IHS Global Insight suggests that a Toyota-Daimler joint venture could benefit both companies. As Urquhart said:

The high development costs associated with trying to bring fuel-cell powertrain technology to production means that it is a highly logical step for Daimler and Toyota to try and share the costs and their extensive knowledge in fuel-cell technology.

At this point, it may just be wishful thinking, but we'd love to see a joint venture between the two companies. It would surely help out the hydrogen vehicle programs of each respective company and a joint venture might even bring more jobs back to NUMMI.

[Source: Reuters]

Report: Toyota and Daimler planning "extensive cooperation" on fuel cell development originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 May 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors to establish pilot hydrogen infrastructure in Hawaii

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, GM, Specialty, Electric

Hawaii is set to get the first hydrogen fueling infrastructure in the United States thanks to a pilot project announced today by General Motors and The Gas Company. The Gas Company is the local natural gas and propane utility on the island state. Hawaii makes an ideal location for testing new transportation technologies as a result of its isolation, and the relatively small size of the islands means that you can never get all that far from the fueling network.

The Gas Company (TGC) has been producing both synthetic natural gas (SNG) and hydrogen for several years. The SNG that it distributes to customers through its island pipeline network is currently blended with five percent hydrogen, a percentage that could be increased as needed.

The new pilot project will set up a network of 20-25 hydrogen filling stations on Oahu that will tap directly into the pipeline network. Such a network can provide fuel access to to most drivers within a 10 minute drive. Pure hydrogen can be separated from the flow through a pressure swing absorption system and then used to fill fuel cell vehicles. Continue reading after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading General Motors to establish pilot hydrogen infrastructure in Hawaii

General Motors to establish pilot hydrogen infrastructure in Hawaii originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota aims for $50,000 hydrogen sedan by 2015

Eric Loveday — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Toyota, Electric

Third-gen Toyota FCHV-adv - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota is undoubtedly known more for its hybrid vehicles than its hydrogen-powered cars, but that could tilt just a little if the company can make good on claims of a production-ready hydrogen sedan for around $50,000. According to Toyota, this price is achievable because costs have dropped tremendously on its fuel-cell technology, about 90 percent in the last five years alone. Toyota even states that its hydrogen sedan, slated for debut in 2015, would be profitable at the price listed above, but we have our doubts about that.

Doubts aside, here's the words of Toyota's managing director of advanced autos, Yoshihiko Masuda:

Our target is, we don't lose money with introduction of the vehicle. Production cost should be covered within the price of the vehicle.

Even if Toyota can be profitable at the $50,000 price, there are still other issues to be concerned with such as the fact that the Nissan Leaf will sell for half that amount and $50k is a heck of a lot of dough to spend on unproven technology. Even Toyota admits it's a little expensive as Masuda added that the hydrogen sedan is similar to a gasoline car but "with some extra cost." Will buyers be willing to foot this extra cost? We don't think so, but we should find out in a few years.

Gallery: Third-gen Toyota FCHV-adv

Photos by Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Toyota aims for $50,000 hydrogen sedan by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Kia remains committed to fuel cells, shows more of Borrego FCEV

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST

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

Kia and its partners at Hyundai continue to move ahead on fuel cell technology, and Kia has released new footage of their latest fuel cell prototype, the Borrego/Mohave FCEV (the Borrego is badged as Mohave in the Korean market).

While the base Borrego is a rear/all-wheel drive body-on-frame SUV, the FCEV drives the front wheels through a 110 kW AC electric motor. The fuel cell stack is located under the passenger compartment and puts out 115 kW. Interestingly, Kia claims its stack is designed to work with air at ambient pressure, eliminating the need for a compressor, a major component of other FCEVs. Kia also claims its fuel cell can utilize 98 percent of all the hydrogen to produce power.

Electrical energy from regenerative braking is stored in a super-capacitor module and then released for an extra power boost when needed. Kia does not say what the capacity of the 700 BAR hydrogen storage system is, but the range of the vehicle is claimed to be 425 miles. Kia still plans to produce the FCEV in low volume series production in 2012, with mass production three years after that. Watch the video after the jump and check out our First Drive report of the last-gen Borrego FCEV.

Gallery: Kia Borrego FCEV

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading VIDEO: Kia remains committed to fuel cells, shows more of Borrego FCEV

VIDEO: Kia remains committed to fuel cells, shows more of Borrego FCEV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

Filed under: Motorsports, Electric

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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