The industrial power of Japan has been demonstrated once again a vivid demonstration of the viability of hydrogen cars. Organized by the JFHC she met 3 cars completely separate with no common room in their chassis, or powertrain. It was a Honda FCX Clarity, a Nissan FCV, and a Toyota FCHV-adv. The event was interesting, because after a Tesla electric car has covered 500 km without having to reload, some people may wonder, on the advisability of using a fuel cell and hydrogen tank, rather than simple battery.

The demonstration Nippon timely to recall that the gap between the two is immense. Most of the Tesla has been established at 50 km/h average, in a car with windows closed in order not to increase the aerodynamic drag, and without air conditioning not consume energy. The Japanese demo was made in normal use. And when the Tesla is a strict 2-seater with a trunk ridiculous, hydrogen cars are Japanese family. The route was 1137 km, it was made in 19 hours. So average less than 60 km/h. In the absolute, very little, but it was the will of the organizer, with a substantial distance which stood in the city.

The car offering greater autonomy has traveled 714 km without refueling. But the most interesting information is the total consumption, or 28.8 kg of hydrogen. For the 3 cars, of 1137 km! Consider a ridiculous average consumption of 844 grams of hydrogen per 100 km. The Japanese cars have tanks 5/6 kg, but the Americans have already planned wider, the Chevrolet Sequel concept stores 10 kg of hydrogen. This means that while the electric car batteries is still very far from the autonomy of a petrol car, the hydrogen can already beat the autonomy of diesel. A fuel cell and hydrogen tank are also lighter than a pack of batteries.

The Japanese have celebrated the event as they do know, with all the men in white gloves. But despite this undeniable success, the future of hydrogen cars is still very uncertain. Is full in 3 minutes as an essence, there is no emission of CO2, or any pollutant. The hydrogen cars are everything to them, and even their sale price, which happens to contain a level very close to those species. But there is also politics. And even in a progressive country like Japan, there are only 13 hydrogen stations. Then we put in place around the world, moult grants and facilities for electric cars and charging stations.

Both Mercedes, Honda, Toyota and General Motors believe that the car fuel cell powered by hydrogen, is the best solution to replace the car oil. Not by ideology or by a submission to some unknown lobby, but simply because it promises to do better than the gasoline car in all areas. This does however not presage the success of this technology to market.

Source: Fuel cell car demonstration runs 1,100 km long

Posted under Fuel Cells, Hydrogen Cars, Hydrogen Vehicles

In addition to presenting Kia Seoul Motor Show, a prototype of the fuel cell vehicle Mohave FCEV. This hydrogen-powered SUV is a powerful 115 kW fuel cell powered and can reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. The scope of the companion is about 750 kilometers.

Kia is already planning the introduction of other alternative drives. 2011 a full-hybrid model coming middle class, for 2012 is the first use of fuel cell technology in a production vehicle announced.

- Eco Dynamics badge to identify environmentally-friendly vehicles
- Forte LPI Hybrid to be launched in August featuring maximum power of 114ps and fuel efficiency of 0.0125 km/$
- Revamped interior and exterior, hybrid jingle sets Forte LPI Hybrid apart from predecessor
- Korea’s first look at Mohave fuel cell electric vehicle with top speed of 160km/h and fuel efficiency of 0.0167 km/$

First showcased at the 2008 Los Angeles International Auto Show, the Mohave FCEV is a next-generation FCEV with vastly improved performance over the previous Sportage FCE.

The three tank hydrogen storage system (700 bar) in the Mohave FCEV has a single-fueling cruising distance of approximately 750km, nearly double the top range (384km) of the previous generation.

Source: Kia Forte LPI hybrid and Mohave Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)

Posted under Fuel Cells, Hydrogen Cars, Hydrogen Vehicles

Vehicles with a fuel cell with hydrogen are the stars of green Motorshows worldwide. In the United States, the Los Angeles Auto Show is no exception: the manufacturer Kia will introduce its Kia Borrego FCEV (for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). The American auto event will take place from 21 to 30 November 2008 (website: www.laautoshow.com).

The green SUV concept based on a model Borrego, has a fuel cell developed by the 4th generation Hyundai-Kia (154 hp, 115 kW) and a new battery Lithium-Ion Polymer. He then enjoys an autonomy of 820 km (510 miles) and can start in temperatures of -30^o C. Not bad! As part of its testing program, Kia will put on the roads in 2010 a fleet of Kia Borrego FCEV. Clarification: California is developing a network of hydrogen fueling (see article).

Posted under Fuel Cells, Hydrogen Cars, Hydrogen Vehicles

At the Paris Motor Show 2008 (Mondial de l’Automobile, Public days October 4-19) Kia Motors presents the first world public the new Kia Soul. In a separate “Soul World” will be heavily customizable crossover model in seven versions to be seen. An eighth copy of the study Kia Soul hybrid, shows the Korean brand its “green area” ( “Green Zone”) along with other environmentally friendly Kia premieres: the Kia cee’d ISG with start-stop system, the study hybrid and fuel cell study Sportage FCEV

In its “Green Zone” at the Paris Salon Kia Motors presented its latest developments in the field of environmentally friendly technologies. While the Kia Soul hybrid, the cee’d hybrid and fuel cell vehicle Sportage FCEV studies yet to act, the cee’d ISG soon on the road to be seen: the new start-stop system ISG (Idle Stop & Go) is from the beginning of 2009 for the cee’d petrol versions available. ISG the engine automatically switches off when the vehicle stops, and immediately again when the driver pressed the clutch pedal. The start will not be delayed – but the fuel consumption and pollutant emissions in city traffic by up to 15 percent.

Also seen is a study of the compact Kia Sportage SUV with fuel cell technology. The 100 kW/136 hp cell feeds a lithium-polymer battery, with an electric motor is coupled. The maximum range of the vehicle should amount to around 300 km. Moreover, the Koreans show in Paris in the series version of the Soul and a start-stop automatic systems for the compact ceed.

As part of the program for Kia fuel-cell research was the Kia Sportage FCEV many tests and continuously. Kia now presents the prototype of the new Kia Sportage FCEV at the Paris Salon – the European premiere for the compact SUV with fuel cell propulsion.

The Sportage FCEV is thus more powerful, has a much larger range of 300 kilometers and a cold start better qualities, is also in cool regions and seasons operational. The Sportage FCEV has a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, the Kia Motors has been developed.

Posted under Fuel Cells, Hydrogen Cars