Ford Researchers Summarize Efforts to Build Hydrogen Powered Vehicle at SAE 2002 World Congress

WARRENDALE, Pa., Feb. 13 -- In keeping with its proactive position regarding the use of alternative fuels, Ford Motor Company has designed and developed the first North American, OEM production-feasible, hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE). For the first time in a public forum, Ford researchers will summarize their technical findings and results on the hydrogen-fueled engine. The information will be presented during the SAE 2002 World Congress, March 4 - 7, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Automakers have long wanted to harness the energy of hydrogen, the most plentiful element in the universe and the cleanest fuel known, to power vehicles. It appears that they are getting very close.

``Our company has published previous reports on using hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles,'' said William F. Stockhausen, Staff Technical Specialist, Ford Motor Company. ``At the SAE Congress, we will summarize our approach to designing and developing a dedicated engine optimized for hydrogen use.''

In late 1997, Ford Motor Company Scientific Research Laboratory started a project to design and develop a practical, low-cost, hydrogen-fueled ICE vehicle. That vehicle, referred to as the P2000, is seen as an interim step in the quest to develop the hydrogen infrastructure that is necessary before the widespread introduction of zero-emission fuel cell vehicles.

``At the SAE Congress, we will discuss in detail the engine, fueling and safety system research that has gotten us to this point in the development of this unique, hydrogen-powered car. The carbon-based emissions from our hydrogen-engine P2000 are very low and that includes carbon dioxide, which is not regulated by the government but contributes to global warming,'' said Stockhausen.

The ``Ford P2000 Hydrogen Engine Design and Vehicle Development Program'' will be presented at the Spark Ignition Combustion Session of the SAE World Congress at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 4, in Room W2-70.

SAE World Congress, the world's largest showcase of automotive engineering technologies, attracts attendees from more than 50 countries. For more details, including registration and special events, visit the SAE 2002 World Congress web site at www.sae.org/congress or call 1-877-SAE-CONG (723-2664); outside the U.S. and Canada, call 1-724-772-4027.