The Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) is a consortium comprising the following companies: Aral, BMW Group, Berlin Public Transport (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe – BVG), DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM/Opel, Hydro/GHW, Linde and Vattenfall Europe. From the end of 2004, CEP will run a demonstration project with the aim of proving the everyday suitability of hydrogen for transportation purposes. Different methods of hydrogen production will be demonstrated and hydrogen technologies for vehicles developed with a view to series production.

In 1998, Ford presented its first fuel cell powered vehicles. It was the starting point of a continuous and intensive research program dealing with hydrogen powered vehicles. The latest result of this ambitious development program is the Ford Focus FCEV Hybrid (FCEV stands for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). As an additional battery supplies some of the electrical energy to power the vehicle, the developers speak of a hybrid propulsion system. The Ford Focus FCEV-Hybrid represents the fifth generation of fuel cell vehicles from Ford. This model has advanced from the prototype stage to become a safe and small series vehicle for everyday use.

The fuel cell system of this vehicle, developed in close cooperation with Ballard, has a maximum power output of 68 kW. Moreover, the additional battery provides extra thrust when accelerating. The battery and fuel cell complement each other to an optimal degree, allowing the fuel cell system to be operated very efficiently. When combined, their performance exceeds the rated performance of the fuel cell system alone. The Ford Focus FCEV attains some very good performance dynamics, thanks to the maximal torque of the 230 Nm Ecostar electric motor, which has the same maximum torque as a 170 bhp petrol engine.

The advantages of the additional battery are primarily revealed in the energy efficiency of the Ford Focus FCEV. For instance, the kinetic energy generated during braking is converted to electrical energy. The motor then produces current for a short period and feeds the battery. A further contribution to energy efficiency is provided by numerous lightweight components, such as titanium springs, which reduce weight by more than 150 kg and thus also reduce fuel consumption.

The tank contains 350 bar compressed hydrogen. The Ford Focus FCEV-Hybrid, when filled with four kg hydrogen, offers a range of more than 300 kilometres.

- Source: FuelCellWorks