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January 24, 2007
FORD UNVEILS WORLD’S FIRST DRIVABLE FUEL CELL HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE WITH PLUG-IN CAPABILITY : GlobalGiants.com
The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive™ is the world’s first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability.
PHOTO: The Ford Edge with HySeries™ Drive is the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability. For average commuters, this research vehicle delivers an equivalent fuel economy rating of more than 80 mpg and emmits only water vapor into the environment.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 23, 2007 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today unveiled the world’s first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric plug-in that combines an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator with lithium-ion batteries to deliver more than 41 mpg with zero emissions. The vehicle is built on a flexible powertrain architecture that will enable Ford to use new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop without redesigning the vehicle.
“This vehicle offers Ford the ultimate in flexibility in researching advanced propulsion technology,” said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president of research and advanced engineering for Ford Motor Company. “We could take the fuel cell power system out and replace it with a down-sized diesel, gasoline engine or any other powertrain connected to a small electric generator to make electricity like the fuel cell does now.”
PHOTO: Debut Of Ford Edge With HySeries™ Drive: Washington D.C., January 23, 2007 -- Sue Cischke, Ford's vice president of environmental and safety engineering, showcases the Ford Escape Hybrid E85 - a demonstration vehicle that can operate on renewable ethanol-based E85 fuel. Ford is producing 20 demonstration Escape Hybrid E85 vehicles for use in fleets in six states later this year.
The new HySeries Drive™ powertrain featured in a Ford Edge uses a real-world version of the powerplant envisioned in the Ford Airstream concept unveiled earlier this month at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The HySeries Drive powertrain delivers a combined city/highway gasoline equivalent fuel economy rating of 41 mpg. For those who drive less than 50 miles each day, the average jumps to more than 80 mpg.
The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive can travel at speeds of up to 85 mph. An on-board charger (110/220 VAC) can refresh the battery pack when a standard home outlet is available, making the concept a true plug-in hybrid. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:50 AM | Link to this Post
