Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Ford Focus FCV (Originally Published January 2001)

Peer into the future of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Visible are the fuel cell stack, hybrid battery pack and electronics built into the Ford Focus FCV.

EDITOR'S NOTE: With all of the big deal Hydrogen fuel cell news coming from Asia, I thought you might like to see what good ol' American Ford had to say about fuel cells over 14 years ago, hey Ford where did you go on this????

Direct hydrogen fuel cell systems provide the greatest environmental benefit and the simplest design, but require the development of a hydrogen infrastructure.

The Focus FCV has a direct hydrogen powertrain configuration.

With BMW putting on a hydrogen show for the world I thought it would keep things in context to let you see what Ford claims as the world's first production-prototype, direct hydrogen powered fuel cell powered car.

The Ford Focus FCV made its debut in Las Vegas at last years SEMA show (Publishers Comment: why Ford debuted it at a GO-FAST show boggles my mind)

Based on Ford's popular Focus platform, Focus FCV is powered by TH!NK and Ford said that it brings high-tech and high-volume together for the first time by combining the world's most advanced powertrain with the world's best selling passenger car.

Back in October of 2000, Ford said they would offer fuel cell vehicles to customers by 2004, but I'll bet with the BMW initiative, they move up that date...what do you think???

Bob Gordon, Co-Publisher The Auto Channel .