Fuel cell vehicle runs on 'soap'

18 December 2001: It could be called the 'cleanest car in the world'. The Natrium MPV concept vehicle currently under development by Chrysler uses electric power generated by a fuel cell. But it's a fuel cell with a difference ... because the core fuel converted by the cell is the naturally-occuring chemical borax.

Borax is chemically similar to household soap. It could mean that an MPV called 'Sunlight Soap' would bring a whole new meaning to sponsorship. Even the day when a soap manufacturer might be sponsoring a fuel cell-powered Formula One racing team?

The car was introduced last week along with other alternative fuel cars, all based on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class - the NECAR 4, which operates on liquid hydrogen, the NECAR 4a, fueled by compressed gaseous hydrogen, and the NECAR 5 which operates on methanol.

Fuel cells combine oxygen from the air and hydrogen from a fuel source to produce electricity, which can be used to power electric motors and drive automobiles. DaimlerChrysler says it is investing more than $1.4 billion in fuel-cell technology research and development during the period 2001-2004.