Ford Going Green at L.A.: Fuel Cell Explorer Prototype Among Models On Display
November 28, 2006
Ford announced today that it will be showcasing a hydrogen fuel cell version of its Explorer SUV at this week's Los Angeles Auto Show.
Propelled by two electric motors with a combined output of 174 horsepower, the fuel cell Explorer's large hydrogen storage tank is situated in the center of the car where the conventional model's automatic transmission would be.
The tank's location helps the vehicle reach an impressive range of 350 miles (the farthest yet for a fuel cell vehicle) and also allows the prototype to retain the six-person seating and cargo capacity of its gas-powered Explorer sibling.
The fuel cell Explorer, which has been driven 17,000 miles total and achieved a fuel cell power record 1556 miles in a 24-hour period, is the first in a series of prototypes partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy in an effort to help determine the feasibility of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Ford also has 30 hydrogen-powered Focus vehicles on the road as part of its worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real-world testing of fuel cell technology. The fleet has accumulated more than 300,000 miles to date.
The fuel cell Explorer is one of several vehicles with green technology Ford will have at the L.A. show, including the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid based on the next-gen 2008 Escape, PZEV emissions compliant Fusion and Focus models and a 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty outfitted with Ford's clean diesel technology.
At January's 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Ford will unveil the next vehicle in its ongoing program with the DoE.
Check back for more on all the vehicles making an appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show during the show press days this Wednesday and Thursday, November 29-30.