Major automakers are on the verge of introducing fuel cell vehicles(FCVs) - in some cases much sooner than anyone anticipated. DaimlerChrysler announced that early next year, 60 Mercedes-Benz A-Class FCVs will be unveiled as part of limited customer fleets in Japan, Singapore, the United States, and Europe. Honda will sell the first of its FCX model to the city of Los Angeles by the end of 2002, and they plan to distribute 30 cars in California and Japan over the next two to three years. The Honda seats four and has a range of 220 miles (354 kilometers).
Toyota also plans to introduce 20 fuel cell hybrid SUVs by the end of the year, which will be offered to customers with access to hydrogen-supply infrastructure and after-sales service. Ford is sending five Focus FCVs to California for evaluation this year, and plans a small number of fleet vehicles in 2004. Even though it may take a decade for widespread commercialization of FCVs, the availability of small fleets of these vehicles ahead of schedule is a promising development.
Fuel cell-powered buses will soon be used in a number of cities. Since buses are often refueled at a central location, just like other fleet vehicles, they can be introduced before hydrogen stations become widely available. Following successful fuel cell bus trials in Chicago and Vancouver during 1999-2001, DaimlerChrysler has been working with Ballard Power Systems, a leading fuel cell producer, to provide 10 European cities with 30 fuel cell buses in the next few years. This European Fuel Cell Bus Project represents the next step in the transition away from internal combustion-powered transportation.
Toyota also plans to introduce 20 fuel cell hybrid SUVs by the end of the year, which will be offered to customers with access to hydrogen-supply infrastructure and after-sales service. Ford is sending five Focus FCVs to California for evaluation this year, and plans a small number of fleet vehicles in 2004. Even though it may take a decade for widespread commercialization of FCVs, the availability of small fleets of these vehicles ahead of schedule is a promising development.
Fuel cell-powered buses will soon be used in a number of cities. Since buses are often refueled at a central location, just like other fleet vehicles, they can be introduced before hydrogen stations become widely available. Following successful fuel cell bus trials in Chicago and Vancouver during 1999-2001, DaimlerChrysler has been working with Ballard Power Systems, a leading fuel cell producer, to provide 10 European cities with 30 fuel cell buses in the next few years. This European Fuel Cell Bus Project represents the next step in the transition away from internal combustion-powered transportation.