My Perfect Automobile » Hydrogen Power

Hyundai Hydrogen Tucson Ready to Go

Larry Bell — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 16:10:43 +0000

Hyundai Tucson hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle

Korean automaker Hyundai announced this week that it would mass-produce its Tucson ix SUV as a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. Production is to begin immediately, the company said. Hyundai intends to make and sell at least 1,000 of the vehicles within the next two years. The fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) can travel 370 miles on a single tank of fuel. Because of its ability to convert hydrogen directly into electricity, there are no emissions except water vapor. By the time it reaches the retail market, the hydrogen Tucson is expected to carry a price tag in the $50,000 range.

Hyundai Hydrogen Tucson: Video

Enjoy some silent footage of the Hyundai fuel cell ix35 in action, as it swooshes down country roads and past scenic villages. If you didn’t know better, you might think it is just another car out for a Sunday drive. In fact, Hyundai has been working on hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion for several years. The vehicle in the clip was the company’s third-generation fuel-cell car, and boasted a 360-mile range, a top speed of 100 mph, and an impressive 0-to-62 mph time of 12.8 seconds. The only emissions are water vapor, and the FCEV, as such cars are called, does not slow down for extremely cold temperatures. The Japanese automaker did extensive testing of the cars in four European nations. Now that Hyundai is ready to sell FCEVs to the public, they will no longer have to use the word ‘concept’ on auto show display stands.

Hyundai Hydrogen Tucson

Later this year Hyundai will send more than a dozen of the FCEVs to Denmark and a pair to Sweden for use by government fleets in those countries. Experts in the field of hydrogen power say that Hyundai’s engineers are well ahead of other automakers who aspire to create hydrogen-powered cars. GM and Daimler-Benz are two companies who already have FCEV technology in development.

For more about Hyundai’s other vehicles see the Korean automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.hyundaiusa.com

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Hyundai Hybrid Sales Reach 100,000

Larry Bell — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 22:21:48 +0000

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai Motor Co. announced this week that sales of its hybrid cars have reached the 100,000 mark, a number which includes vehicles sold by both Hyundai and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp. of Korea. The Forte and Avante were first sold in mid-2009, and in the three intervening years the automaker has logged 106,450 hybrid sales.

Hyundai Hybrid Sales: Video

While Hyundai has indeed played a fast game of catch-up in the hybrid sector, what is not widely known is that the Korean automaker has serious plans to become one of the first major companies to mass-market a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. To that end, Hyundai has taken its hydrogen prototype to several of the world’s biggest auto shows and done promotional trips with the fuel-cell car. In the video clip below, you will see the car as it fuels up, drives through England, and is reviewed by a journalist. Called the Hyundai ix35, the hydrogen fuel-cell model could be on the market as a mass-production car by 2015.

Hyundai Hybrid Sales

Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid accounts for just over 50 percent of the automaker’s hybrid sales, an achievement no doubt aided by the fact that Sonata Hybrid has garnered numerous international car awards. Hyundai has seen hybrid sales rising both in Korea and in its international markets, with Sonata leading the way in most instances. Due to a strong push in international sales efforts, the Korean carmaker has experienced an astounding 70 percent increase in hybrid vehicle sales from last year. On the company’s plate for 2014 is the introduction of all-electric models. As pointed out in the video link above, Hyundai will begin mass-production of hydrogen fuel-cell cars by 2015.

For all the latest news about Korean carmaker Hyundai’s plans for electric, hybrid, and even hydrogen vehicles, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://worldwide.hyundai.com/WW/Main/index.html

Larry Bell

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force: Wow!

Larry Bell — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 11:31:37 +0000

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force concept vehicle

The LA Auto Show’s Design Challenge brings out the best in all its participants. That truth is clearly demonstrated with one of the entries from Mercedes-Benz, a law enforcement themed giant four-wheeled monster known officially as Ener-G-Force. California’s Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio came up with the concept cruiser, and there are plenty of touches to wow the crowds at this year’s show. The hydrogen-powered gladiator features emergency lights on the roof, but they look more like laser guns. The entire effect is so science-fictional that you will find yourself staring at the video clip photomontage below and wondering, hoping actually, that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class goes in this direction.

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force: Video

In the video clip below, you will see a montage of views of the Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force. Looking like a cross between a rugged spaceship and a luxury sedan on steroids, the newest concept car from M-B is unusually alluring and unique. Concept cars come and go, but you will likely agree that this one is definitely going places. The downside is that we are not sure how Mercedes-Benz will use all the amazing design innovation, or where it will end up. Part SUV from deep space, part hovercraft, and part tank, the Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force is a concept car that people will be talking about for a long time.

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force

A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz described the new concept in two words, “modern and cool.” That pretty much sums it up. In fact, the designers were hoping to evoke the look of what an off-road M-B might look like in the year 2025. A company press release referred to the Ener-G-Force as a study for a highway patrol vehicle two decades in the future. The hydrogen-propelled, super-SUV would be the perfect first-responder for the Brave New World.

For more about all the vehicles made by Mercedes-Benz, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://www.mbusa.com

Larry Bell

Hydrogen Cars Coming to Scandinavia

Larry Bell — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 19:31:15 +0000

Hydrogen Car: Honda’s FCX Clarity

Four large auto manufacturers have signed a memorandum of understanding with a group of Scandinavian nations in order to advance hydrogen fuel-cell transportation between 2014 and 2017. Major industry players in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland penned the historic pact with representatives from Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. During the time period named in the agreement, the automakers and private groups will work together to develop hydrogen fuel-cell cars and infrastructure on a wide scale.

Hydrogen Cars: Video

The following video clip delivers a compact, easy to understand overview of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Focusing on the Honda FCX Clarity, much of the discussion could pertain to any hydrogen car, namely the points about zero emissions, the need for infrastructure, and how the drivetrains operate. Just last week, Honda’s FCX Clarity wrapped up its British leg of the “H2 Moves” road tour. Honda’s refueling station in Swindon acted as a sort of base-camp for the several cars that took part in the event, which represented four different vehicle manufacturers. Practically every interviewee in the clip agreed that the bottom line is infrastructure.

Hydrogen Cars

Among those who will be creating fuel stations are the Copenhagen Hydrogen Network, Hydrogen Sweden, Icelandic New Energy, HyNor Norway, and H2 Logic. All the participants will also work to increase public awareness and build popular acceptance of the new technology. Honda will bring out a new hydrogen car in 2015, though the company made history ten years ago when it produced the FCX Clarity fuel-cell car, which at the time was purchased by several large corporate fleets in the U.S. and in Asia. Most of the major scientific advancements in fuel-cell technology are the result of vigorous research initiatives that began in the early 1980s.

For more about Honda vehicles, see the automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.honda.com

Larry Bell

Hyundai Hydrogen ix35 Ready by 2015

Larry Bell — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:54:55 +0000

Hyundai Hydrogen ix35

Hyundai is showing its ix35 fuel-cell car at the Paris Motor Show this week. The Korean automaker refers to the model as the first production fuel-cell electric vehicle. Although the manufacturer has not kept up with efforts by its Japanese rivals to produce electric and plug-in autos, it intends to take the lead in hydrogen transportation with the commercialization of the ix35. Boasting a top speed of 100 mph and a zero-to-sixty time of just under 13 seconds, Hyundai’s hydrogen model will require only a few minutes to fuel up, as opposed to hours for electric vehicles.

Hyundai Hydrogen: Video

Hyundai’s ix35 was on display last year at the EcoVelocity green vehicle festival held at Battersea Power Station in London. The fuel cell car is the third-generation of this version of Hyundai’s hydrogen concept. The video clip below simply provides a closer look at the car both inside and out. A tester walks around the vehicle, starts it, and then gives us a peek under the hood so we can see the hydrogen power plant in action. Ironically, except for the labeling and unusual under-hood setup, the car could pass for a typical combustion model.

Hyundai Hydrogen: Details

A spokesperson for Hyundai said the company would lower the cost of production and bring it on par with electric cars by 2020-25. With cost and infrastructure the technology’s two biggest hurdles, range and environmental cleanliness are the most powerful arguments for hydrogen driving.

Hyundai’s literature on the car mentions something that is often overlooked, namely that a hydrogen fueling station can process many more cars than an EV charge point, mainly because the fill-up time for a fuel-cell car is minimal. Thus, the number of hydrogen stations needed is far fewer than for an EV network.

For all the latest about Hyundai cars and trucks, see the Japanese automaker’s global website:
worldwide.hyundai.com

Larry Bell

Honda: Hybrids and Hydrogen Coming Up

Larry Bell — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 15:05:41 +0000

Honda Hybrid: 2013 Insight

Honda Motor Co. announced plans this week for several new launches and some overall sales and corporate goals during the next several years. The primary marketing effort will involve a doubling of sales, with the Japanese automaker aiming to move six million automobiles per year by 2017. One of the surprises of the corporate announcement was Honda’s commitment to offer a new fuel cell vehicle in 2015.

Honda: Video

The following video clip features an in-depth look at the most talked-about Honda, the 2014 Accord plug-in hybrid, which will face a phalanx of competition from the likes of Ford, Toyota, and Hyundai. The clip spotlights the plug-in Accord inside and out, on the road and at rest. The car will feature Honda’s first two-motor hybrid system, and is expected to rate an EPA 100 mpg-equivalent. The PHEV will come standard with a rearview camera, LaneWatch blind-spot display, LED everything, and some very snazzy aerodynamic styling.

Honda Hybrids: Details

Because Honda will be selling its hydrogen fuel cell car in the U.S., Europe, and Japan in 2015, and since it will be cheaper than the FCX Clarity it currently offers, Honda will be face-to-face with archrival Toyota in the segment. Toyota is planning to bring a hydrogen fuel cell car to market in that very same year, 2015.

Honda’s new two-motor hybrid drivetrain will show up on the 2014 Accord plug-in hybrid. The company’s current one-motor hybrid system will not be phased out. Instead, the Japanese automaker will rework it to allow for electric-only driving. In a way, Honda has had to play catch up in the hybrid segment against Toyota’s Prius line. But with the planned rollouts between now and 2017, it is clear Honda intends to become a major presence in the hybrid market.

For more about Honda cars and trucks, see the Japanese automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.honda.com

Larry Bell

Nissan Terra Fuel Cell: Debut Set

Larry Bell — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:51:52 +0000

Nissan Terra fuel cell SUV concept

Each day leading up to the Paris Motor Show’s Sept. 27 media preview, it seems as if one major automaker after another uses these last few days to announce a new concept debut. Today, it is Nissan’s turn, with the unveiling of its incredibly futuristic concept fuel cell, crossover SUV, the Terra. Nissan’s spokespersons say the Terra is solid evidence that the Japanese carmaker is ready, willing, and able to offer a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle once the infrastructure comes online.

Nissan Terra Fuel Cell: Video

For a quick look at Nissan’s latest artistic production, which is all of about one minute long, see the following video overview of the Terra FC vehicle. Some parts of the film were made to look as if they were shot under water to emphasize the hydrogen aspect of the fuel cell electric concept. While there is not much substance to the piece, we do get a preview of some of its systems, as well as the exterior and interior design. Without a doubt, the Terra’s front fascia looks like something out of a science fiction film set in the year 3000.

Nissan Terra Concept

The four-seater features a tough, SUV off-road personality that somehow makes hydrogen seem macho. Terra, the Latin word for ‘earth,’ is maybe the most appropriate moniker for a car that will be fueled by one of the most abundant substances on earth, hydrogen. The Terra’s power train is an oddity too, utilizing the Leaf’s electric motor for front wheel propulsion, but two in-wheel electric motors to drive its rear wheels.

Adding to the Terra’s otherworldly flavor is the Starship-like seating, with the driver positioned at the helm, and the three passengers behind. The Japanese have been out front on hydrogen science recently and this car, while just a concept, could very well make it to real-world showrooms within a few years. Stay tuned.

For more about Nissan, see the company’s global website:
http://www.nissan-global.com/

Larry Bell

Hydrogen Race Car: High-Tech Tires Needed

Larry Bell — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 01:53:08 +0000

Hydrogen Race Car GreenGT H2

Dunlop Motorsport announced this week that it has contracted to develop a special kind of high-tech tire for the futuristic hydrogen race car, the GreenGT H2. Competition tires for hydrogen fuel cell and electric race cars have to be painstakingly constructed to withstand heavier loads, due to the cars’ weightier motors, battery packs, and fuel cells. The GreenGT H2 will be competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours race in 2013. It is the first hydrogen race car in the world, and uses electric powertrain technology.

Hydrogen Race Car: Video

You don’t need to understand French to see what is going on in the video clip below. It’s the introduction of the GreenGT H2 hydrogen-electric race car, complete with official photos and team appearances. The car is unique, to put it mildly. Looking like a cross between the Bat Mobile and the Millennium Falcon, the hydrogen car is definitely a people-magnet. The clip offers some rare close-ups and vantage point shots of the amazing speed machine.

Hydrogen Race Car: Special Challenges

Besides having to create a tire that can carry a bigger load, Dunlop is faced with the task of putting a low rolling-resistance tire on the car, since fuel efficiency is paramount in racing conditions. The tire compound will have to be specifically created for the GreenGT H2. In racing, care must be taken to make certain that tires do not get too hot or wear out too quickly under the harsh conditions of high-speed competition.

Some in the racing world say that hydrogen power could alter the sport in significant and lasting ways. Already, other alternative fuels have entered the competitive circuit and are making their mark on the sport.

For a treasure trove of information about the GreenGT H2, visit the official website for the car and its team:
http://www.greengt.com/en/greengt-h2.php

Larry Bell

Hyundai Hydrogen Car Months Away

Larry Bell — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 11:10:39 +0000

Hyundai hydrogen car at a fueling station

Hyundai has just shown off its latest entry into the alternative fuel sector, displaying the company’s hydrogen fuel-cell car that will land in London showrooms in late 2012. No word on exactly when the car will come to the U.S., but industry insiders are guessing 2013 or early 2014. The ix35 FCEV (fuel-cell electric vehicle) is a hydrogen version of Hyundai’s ix35, but unlike the standard entry gets 325 miles of range from a pair of hydrogen tanks and a 100-kw fuel-cell power stack.

Hyundai Hydrogen Car: Video

With a top speed of 100 mph and a range comparable to non-hydrogen vehicles, Hyundai plans to produce 1,000 of the fuel-cell electric vehicles initially for fleets and government agencies, and then aim toward mass production around 2015.

The short video clip above takes a look at some of Hyundai’s other green vehicles, including the i10 electric, FCEV bus, and of course the FCEV Tucson. All are completely emission-free.

Hyundai Hydrogen Car: Reviews

A London city government official test drove the new fuel-cell Hyundai last week and commented that hydrogen power is a vital part of the worldwide green energy movement. Various officials at the press conference congratulated the Korean auto manufacturer on its effort to bring hydrogen cars to market.

A key ingredient in the UK’s push to make hydrogen cars practical is UKH2Mobility, a consortium of three national government departments. The trio of agencies work together to evaluate hydrogen’s viability, noting areas of infrastructure that need attention. Two of the great advantages of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are speed of fueling and range. Challenges for hydrogen transportation include infrastructure and price. Now that Honda, Mercedes, and Hyundai are all seriously working on hydrogen vehicles, the push for infrastructure becomes more important than ever.

For more information about all the Hyundai models available worldwide, see the Korean automaker’s global website:
worldwide.hyundai.com/

Larry Bell

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars: Comeback?

Larry Bell — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 20:57:54 +0000

Hydrogen Fuel Cell: Honda FCX Clarity

Fuel cells are back on the map, at least when measured by government backing. Now that U.S. natural gas reserves have proven to be abundant, and because hydrogen can be produced from natural gas, the future of the fuel cell is brighter than ever. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu recently pointed out that he has indeed changed his mind about fuel cell vehicles.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars: Video

The video clip below includes a complete overview of a student-built hydrogen fuel cell car. Aston University entered the folding, urban car in the most recent Shell Eco Marathon. The concept car won an award for best design in the Shell contest. In fact, because it folds in half, the hydrogen urban car takes up about 50 percent of the parking space of a standard hatchback. The entire wheelbase, when folded, is shorter than a Smart Car.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars: Details

Because hydrogen can be extracted from natural gas, the entire research focus has been altered. While Chu says the fuel cell will get more government backing than before, electric vehicles will continue to be the government’s favorite alternative fuel.

The one major advantage that hydrogen cars have over electric ones is range. The standard range of a fuel cell car is 300 miles, while even the best electric vehicles available to the public, like the Tesla Model S, travel 265 miles between charges. More typical electric cars average range mileage in the area of 80-120 miles. The U.S. is not alone in its pursuit of hydrogen fuel cell technology. Many European nations are already devoting billions of dollars to fuel cell research.

For a wealth of information about hydrogen fuel cell technology, see the official Department of Energy website, which not only explains the technology in understandable terms, but discusses all the current federal programs that assist private industry for development of fuel cell vehicles:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/

Larry Bell

Toyota Hydrogen Car: Major Announcement

Larry Bell — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:37:14 +0000

Toyota Hydrogen Car: Early version

Toyota has announced that it will offer a fuel-cell sedan to the public by 2015, which will make the Japanese auto company the sole carmaker to sell hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. The other large auto firms in the world have dabbled in hydrogen fuel-cell research, but Toyota has decided to stick to its initial plans and offer such a vehicle in showrooms within three years. According to a company spokesperson, California will be the likely choice for the car’s debut, given the fact that there will be almost 70 hydrogen fuel stations in the state by that time.

Toyota Hydrogen Car: Video

The video clip below takes us on a tour of the Toyota concept FCV-R hydrogen fuel-cell concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The car was a magnet for attention at the show, as Toyota employees gave short talks to the gathered crowds every hour.

Toyota Hydrogen Car: The Facts

Toyota has been way out in front of the other large car makers in the area of hydrogen fuel-cell research, which shows in the concept FCV-R video, above. As far as Ford is concerned, a spokesperson for the company recently pointed to the affordability challenge for hydrogen, especially as it must compete with much cheaper lithium-ion battery packs.

Volkswagen was another company to weigh in on Toyota’s move, stating bluntly that the VW Group does not expect hydrogen cars to become feasible until well after 2020. The time frame of Toyota’s decision is what troubles many. General Motors has gone on record as praising hydrogen fuel-cell research, but sees huge challenges in the area of infrastructure anytime before 2020. Whether Toyota’s gamble on hydrogen will pay off is an open question for now.

For more about the company that has given the green light to hydrogen cars, see the official corporate website for Toyota:
http://www.toyota.com

Larry Bell

Olympic Trials for Hydrogen Taxis

Larry Bell — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:58:48 +0000

Olympic trials for hydrogen taxis

If VIPs at this year’s Olympic Games want a change of pace from the BMW electric and hybrid vehicles at their disposal, event officials can use one of the hydrogen-powered taxis that will be on hand for the same purpose. Getting from point A to point B at the London Games is greener than ever this year due to the wide array of choices for athletes and officials.

The taxis were converted by Intelligent Energy, a British concern, and will use the hydrogen fuel station at Heathrow Airport. The program is administered by Hydrogen Transport for European Union Cities (Hy TEC), an organization that has long been advocating for the zero-emission fuel.

Olympic Trials: Video

The video clip linked above shows how 16 separate organizations worked together to bring the hydrogen taxi program to the London Games. All of the participants are in some way related to building hydrogen infrastructure in London and other European cities, hoping to make the area a world capital of fuel cell transportation.

Olympic Trials: Hydrogen

The taxis produce zero greenhouse emissions. In fact, since they are hydrogen vehicles, the only exhaust is water vapor. The video clip actually puts a camera right up to a pipe as we watch the water droplets fall onto the pavement. Unlike some of the other, better known alternative fuels, hydrogen cars are quite expensive to produce, but cost very little to operate.

The hydrogen taxis do share one quality with electric vehicles, namely the lack of infrastructure in most big cities. London’s consortium of hydrogen advocates is looking to change that, and would like to see as many hydrogen stations as electric charge points go into operation within the next five years.

For more information about the company behind the hydrogen taxis, see the official website of Hy TEC:
http://hy-tec.eu/

Larry Bell