Worldwide, there are numerous EVs and HEVs being offered exclusively in Europe and Japan. Auto companies are also developing fuel cell vehicles for sale between 2003 and 2010.
Fuel Cell Prototype Cars - Most automakers have fuel cell programs. Following are some of the prototypes.
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DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI. DaimlerChrysler is the only major company to show derivable fuel cell concepts running on both hydrogen and methanol fuel. Electric, hybrid electric vehicles, compressed natural gas, fuel cells and advanced diesel and gasoline engines all play a key role in DaimlerChrysler's ongoing development of future products. Pictured here is the NECAR 4 (New Electric Car), which was unveiled in the U.S. in March, 1999. www.daimlerchrysler.com |
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Ford's P2000 sedan is a midsize family car powered by an advanced hydrogen fuel cell. The fuel cell stack and electric drive train are targeted to achieve the equivalent of 90 HP. A Low Storage Requirement (LSR) hybrid electric P2000, which will be less complex and lighter than hybrids other automakers have demonstrated, is currently in the development stage at Ford. www.ford.com |
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ZE TEK POWER has taken the fuel cell from the laboratory to a product manufactured on automated production lines. A London taxi retrofitted two years ago by Ze Tek Power is running proof of the viability of fuel cell powered vehicles. It also has demonstrated stationary and marine systems. Ze Tek Power is based in Great Britain and is publicly traded. |
| Other vehicles being sold worldwide and concept cars - In Europe, cars are being designed to meet city ordinances that exclude all cars except electrics in downtown areas. Small vehicles are also being produced for Asian and European markets. In the U.S., the Clinton administration challenged U.S. car companies to produce prototype five-seater sedans by 2003 that get 80 mpg.
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Elcat electric vehicles of Finland has manufactured over 200 2-passenger vans and a 4-seater wagon with a 45 mile range and a maximum speed of 50 mph. The Finland Post Ltd. delivers mail daily with 60 Elcat Cityvans. Elcat offers these vans at the price of $30,000. At the moment there are no plans to market in the US. http://www.elcat.fi/eng/index.html |
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The MULTIPLA FIAT Hybrid Power is offered in Europe. This f our-seat hatchback is a unique gasoline-electric hybrid that can be driven in electric-only mode for 50 miles or in hybrid mode for extended driving up to 249 miles. It also has the option of recharging the batteries from the on-board engine rather than plugging in. Emissions are zero in electric mode and 50% less than a conventional gasoline car in hybrid mode . The cars are part of a pilot project in Naples, Italy. www.fiat.com. |
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PSA Peugeot Citroen currently offers a variety of electric vehicles for sale in Europe. The Electric Peugeot 106 and the Citroen Saxo Electric have a range of 50 miles in the city and can travel at a maximum speed of 57 mph. The electric Partner and Berlingo are light-duty vans which can travel up to 59 miles on one charge and attain a maximum speed of 59 mph. Scoot'elec, Peugeot's latest generation scooter, has a 28-mile range and reaches a maximum speed of 28 mph. All of the PSA Peugeot Citroen products described here are equipped with Nickel Cadmium batteries. www.peugeot.com |
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General Motors advanced vehicle concepts: the CHEVROLET TRIAX is a four-door, fine-passenger urban activity vehicle with multiple body styles and three different propulsion options-- hybrid-electric, electric, and advanced internal combustion engine. GM's PRECEPT technology demonstration vehicle, the world's most aerodynamic fire-passenger sedan, is targeted to achieve 90 mpg and uses a hybrid-electric propulsion system. www.gm.com/environment/products. |
| Renault has sold more than 1000 EVs in Europe, offering two vans & one 4-passenger sedan. Their range reaches 50-65 miles. They offer a fast & a regular 6 to 8 hour charger. In France, Renault is experimenting w/Praxitele, a self-service pickup system w/50 electric Clios. | |