>>>..ECOSTAR EXPLORES FUEL CELLS - While Volvo, Chrysler, Mitsubishi, General Motors, Toyota and others are active in fuel cell research, a multi-company, international effort is advancing the technology. Ford, Daimler-Benz and Ballard Power Systems unveiled the new name of their joint enterprise, Ecostar Electric Drive Systems Co. Ecostar will be developing advanced electric drive systems for vehicles, as well as stationary power units. Ford has used the name for some of its prototype electric vehicles, most based on trucks or vans. The three companies have invested more than $700 million, with the aim of having fuel-cell powertrains available to support commercialization of fuel-cell vehicles by 2004. Canadian Ballard Power Systems is a leader in the development of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Fuel cells, which generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, have the potential to provide the size, range, roominess and speed of conventional cars and trucks while emitting little more than water vapor into the atmosphere. Fuel cells should cost less, not have the range limitations batteries do, and not have the durability limits and replacement costs of battery packs. Hydrogen fuel, which can be obtained from natural gas or methanol, and oxygen extracted from the air are electrochemically combined in a fuel cell to produce electricity and heat with pure water as the only by-product.<<<
source: thecarconnection.com |
