8 April 2002: Ford Motor Company is combining the latest hybrid electric vehicle technology with an advanced new fuel cell to create an all-new, highly efficient, zero-emissions Ford Focus.

The new Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) is the company’s most advanced environmental vehicle ever. It also is one of the industry’s first 'hybridized fuel cell vehicles' – which combines the improved range and performance of hybrid technology with the overall benefits of a fuel cell.

The new Focus FCV is part of an experimental fleet which will help prove out the technology as part of the California Fuel Cell Partnership. In all, five Focus FCVs will be produced this year for testing and demonstration – leading up to low-volume customer production by 2004.

The new Focus FCV has been 'hybridized' with the addition of a 300-volt Sanyo battery pack and a brake-by-wire electrohydraulic series regenerative braking system. Both of these advanced technologies also are found on the Hybrid Escape, due out in 2003. In addition, the Focus FCV has a more advanced hydrogen storage tank, which can handle 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi) of hydrogen – verses 3,600 psi in the previous version.

Together, the new battery pack, regenerative braking and storage tank help increase the driving range of the four-passenger Focus FCV to between 160 and 200 miles – significantly improved from the previous version. The hybrid electric power system also gives the vehicle the zippiness of a more conventional sedan and a top speed governed at 80 miles per hour.

Meanwhile, Fleet News Europe reports that Ford is planning to sell a mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle into the German fleet market. The report says that from 2010, Ford believes it will be manufacturing at least 50,000 units of the vehicle per annum. The company is planning to run the first vehicles with small fleets in Germany and California in 2004, with full launch slated for 2010.

©2002irishcar.com