Sporting a sleek closed-wheel body design and 300-plus kilowatt powerplant, a 900kg FCV racer could hit 185mph, according to HERF organizers.

DETROIT, Michigan -- The newly established Hydrogen Electric Racing Federation (HERF) has announced an initial specifications package for its proposed “Hydrogen 500” racing series, in which hydrogen fuel cell race cars will compete head-to-head on tracks across the country.

HERF organizers say the Hydrogen 500 racing series will begin in May 2009, and expand internationally by 2011.(more)

The plug-in hybrid hydrogen vehicles traveling the 2007 auto show circuit include (top to bottom) the Chevrolet Volt concept, Ford Airstream concept and Ford Edge protoytpe.

Ford and General Motors each introduced hybrid hydrogen concept vehicles at the 2007 North American International Auto Show -- the Ford Airstream and Chevrolet Volt are plug-in hybrid electric-drive vehicles that use hydrogen as a range-extending fuel. The Airstream's HyDrive powertrain system is also found in a driveable Ford Edge prototype, which was unveiled at the recent Washington Auto Show in the District of Columbia.

To learn more about these vehicles, click on the links below to hear from the cheif engineers involved in each company's vehicle program.

-- General Motors chief engineer, Nick Zielinski, discusses the Chevrolet Volt and its place in GM's hydrogen vehicle program (approx. 4 min) (video)

-- Ford chief engeer, Scott Staley, talks about the HyDrive powertrain and other aspects of Ford's hydrogen R&D program (approx. 2 min) (video)

To see additional photos of the hydrogen-powered vehicles shown at this year's Detroit show, click here for (more)

Dr. Wolfgang Steiger, director of powertrain research at VW, says the company's high-temp stack will be ready in prototype form by 2010.

Widely considered a secondary player in the fuel cell race, Volkswagen has surprised many in the the auto industry with revelations of a breakthrough in high temperature fuel cell stack design.

In a one-on-one interview, Dr. Wolfgang Steiger discusses development of the company's high temperature stack, as well as other aspects of fuel cell vehicle R&D at VW and throughout the industry.(more)

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Ford Motor Company publicly unveiled its Ford Edge plug-in fuel cell hybrid vehicle, a fully drivable demonstration prototype at the 2007 Washington Auto Show. The vehicle’s HySeries Drive powertrain is the same as that shown in Detroit alongside Ford's Airstream concept.(more)

Clearly aimed at green-minded RV and SUV buyers, the Ford Airstream's powertrain is currently being tested in a Ford Edge prototype.

DETROIT, Michigan -- Crossover fever has spilled over into the world of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with the unvieling of Ford's Airstream concept vehicle at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Featuring a plug-in hybrid fuel cell powertrain, the Airstream has an all-battery range of 25 miles, or 300-plus miles with battery and hydrogen power.(more)

GM's New Electric Car: The Chevy Volt features an all-electric "E-flex" drive system that could accommodate a hydrogen fuel cell in the not-so-distant future.

DETROIT -- General Motors executed a major about-face recently with the introduction of its new Chevrolet Volt electric-drive concept vehicle at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.

In its current configuration, the unique “E-flex” plug-in hybrid powertrain uses a one-liter internal combustion engine to charge a lithium-ion battery pack, but a hydrogen fuel cell version is not out of the question.(more)

A DaimlerChrysler F-Cell is refueled at the BP pump during the inauguration ceremony for NextEnergy’s new hydrogen platform in Detroit.

Southeastern Michigan has added another hydrogen fueling station with the recent opening of the NextEnergy hydrogen platform in downtown Detroit. Announced at the grand opening of the NextEnergy Center in the fall of 2005, the new hydrogen platform will allow researchers to study a number of alternative fuels, including hydrogen. (more)

Ford's new fuel cell-powered Explorer carries 10 kilograms of compressed hydrogen for a 350-mile driving range.

Responding to General Motors’ earlier announcement of a 100-vehicle fleet of Equinox fuel cell models, Ford has now introduced its own fuel cell SUV at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. The prototype Explorer FCV has already set a record for greatest distance traveled in a 24-hour period by a fuel cell vehicle. (more)

Located in the North of England, the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) works hand-in-hand with foreign and domestic fuel cell R&D companies. (Photo: CPI)

The North of England Inland Investment Agency (NEIIA) is actively pursuing North American fuel cell companies looking to get a foothold in the UK and Europe. Offering a business environment biased toward high-tech R&D, the NEIIA's focus has been in the portable and stationary markets, though automotive is not out of the question.(more)

Guests ride aboard a Chevrolet Sequel as part of the recent GM Tech Tour 2006 in Shanghai. The Sequel's appearance in China marks its first in the Asia-Pacific area.

SHANGHAI, China -- General Motors demonstrated the latest automotive propulsion systems during its recent GM Tech Tour 2006 in Shanghai. In addition to fuel cells, GM also showcased a number of more immediate powertrain technologies, such as common rail diesel powerplants, E85-fueled engines and cylinder deactivation system.(more)

California's Hydrogen Highway continues to expand, though slower than expected, since Gov. Schwarzenegger signed it into law in April 2002.

Those anxious about the progress of California’s Hydrogen Highway might find it instructive to look back at the Dwight D. Eisenhower's ground-breaking interstate highway program. In some respects, California's project is similar to this model, with some functional pieces in place, while the completed structure remains some ways off in the future. (more)

Ford says the new BP fueling station in Taylor, Mishigan, will help its engineers learn more about the customer/hydrogen fueling interface.

Taylor, Michigan -- A new BP hydrogen fueling station was recently opened just southwest of Detroit to serve a fleet of Ford Focus fuel cell vehicles. (more)

Using reprocessed nuclear fuel, Gen IV reactors such as General Atomics' helium-cooled reactor concept (above) may offer a significant long-term source of carbon-free hydrogen within 20 to 30 years.

While the automotive OEMs rush toward development of commercially viable fuel cell vehicles, the biggest roadblock facing the industry is a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure. Among potential hydrogen pathways, nuclear power has great promise -- it also has huge challenges. But those in the nuclear industry have a plan as these industry insiders explain (Flash plugin required):

-- Dr. Harold F. McFarlane, President of the American Nuclear Society and Deputy Associate Laboratory Director of Nuclear Programs the Idaho National Labratory discusses the challenges facing nuclear power. (2 min) (video)

-- Dr. Kenneth R. Schultz, Operations Director for General Atomics' Energy Group explains the advantages of Gen IV reactors and nuclear-produced hydrogen. (4 min) (video)


Learn More about Nuclear Power
For a brief overview on the future of nuclear power and its application to hydrogen production, click here for (more)

Honda's fully operational FCX Concept will be the basis for a production model coming in 2008.

TOCHIGI, Japan -- During a recent demonstration drive of its latest FCX Concept vehicle, Honda officials stated that they will be marketing a limited production fuel cell vehicle in the U.S. and Japan come 2008. Currently under development, the future fuel cell vehicle will feature the principle technologies showcased in the company's FCX Concept driven by journalists this week in Japan.(more)

The Chevrolet Sequel fuel cell concept stretches its legs during a recent GM ride-and-drive event.

Larry Burns, vice-president of R&D at General Motors, at the first driving exercise for the Chevrolet Sequel fuel cell vehicle concept. Click here to view the (video) (more)

One of 100 FCVs to be deployed in 2007, this Chevrolet Equinox features GM's fourth generation fuel cell stack and a 200-mile range.

SAN DIEGO, CAlifornia -- With the announcement of a coming fleet of 100 Chevrolet Equinox FCVs, General Motors has taken another dramatic step toward its goal of creating a commercially viable fuel cell vehicle by 2010. During the recent press introduction of the company's Sequel fuel cell concept vehicle, GM rolled out one of its new Equinox FCVs for all to see.(more)

The Hydrogen 7 is based on a modified BMW 7 Series sedan, altered slightly to allow for the added weight and size of a cryogenic tank.

BMW has announced the world’s first production hydrogen-powered luxury performance sedan, the Hydrogen 7, which will use a bi-fuel V-12 that develops 260 horsepower and 287 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is 143mph, while driving range on both fuels will be more than 400 miles, according to BMW.(more)

The rear-drive F600 HyGenius concept is quieter and more efficient than DaimlerChrysler's current F-Cell models, and has better sub-zero start-up characteristics, according to program engineers.

DaimlerChrysler recently rolled out its F600 HyGenius fuel cell concept car to promote a number of major improvements in their fuel cell stack and balance of plant components. The vehicle also showcases a number of advanced passenger safety and convenience features. Compared to the current Mercedes A-Class-based F-Cell vehicles, the F600 represents a leap in technology. (more)

DaimlerChrysler fuel cell R&D vice president, Dr. Herbert Kohler, takes time out to discuss his company's latest fuel cell concept vehicle, the one-of-a-kind F600 HyGenius.

During a recent demonstration of DaimlerChrysler’s F600 concept fuel cell vehicle in Hamburg, Germany, Hydrogen Forecast had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Herbert Kohler. Vice president of body and powertrain research and chief environmental officer, Kohler discussed the features of this latest vehicle and talked about the current state of fuel cell technology.(more)

"Hydrogen is not like petroleum or natural gas, or anything else we've done before," says Rick Zalesky, President, Hydrogen Business, Chevron Technology Ventures.

Rick Zalesky has a unique job at one of the world's largest gasoline producers, one he describes as "turning an elephant into an ant." In less allegorical terms, he leads the team that is helping to prepare Chevron for what's coming next in transportation fuels.(more)

Senator Carl Levin and Corland Publisher Rob Cleveland discuss technical evolutions driving diesel and hydrogen for the North American market.

Senator Carl Levin and top automaker and supplier representatives attended the first Advanced Powertrain Forum held at the Detroit Athletic Club by Corland Publishing, producers of online magazines, Hydrogen Forecast and Diesel Forecast.(more)

Shell Hydrogen CEO, Jeremy Bentham (left), with General Motors’ Larry Burns, fields reporters’ questions on the future of a hydrogen infrastructure.

While Shell Hydrogen has taken some baby steps toward the coming hydrogen economy, it has yet to make that big leap of faith. And although caution may be the watchword right now, the underlying message is one of extreme optimism, especially coming from an energy giant like Shell.(more)