Leading automakers believe that collaboration is the way forward in the development of fuel cell technology for cars, trucks and buses, the Canadian Press reported yesterday (4th June).

Experts attending the Vancouver international fuel cell conference this week have agreed that 2015 is a reasonable target for the full commercialisation of fuel cell vehicles.

They are convinced that regardless of how the hydrogen required to power them is produced, fuel cells will prove to be more effective at reducing CO2 emissions than hybrid or plug-in vehicles.

Andreas Truckenbraodt, Chief Executive of the Automotive Fuel Cell Partnership, noted that there are obstacles ahead for achieving their targets, particularly in terms of costs.

However, he explained that automakers should overcome this challenge by pulling together to develop non-driving-related components such as hydrogen compressors, valves and humidifiers.

He told the news provider: "We're fierce competitors but we should not be worrying about brand specifications."

A similar view was expressed by Lawrence Burns, Vice President of Research and Planning at General Motors, which is aiming to bring eight fuel cell vehicles to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver next year.

"It's silly to put our capital and our engineering dollars into those parts if they're not going to be the basis for winning the race," he told the Canadian Press.

A total of 12 fuel cell cars arrived in Vancouver on Wednesday after a 2,700-mile drive up the west coast from San Diego in California.

Source:

Automakers still have faith hydrogen fuel-cell cars are zero-emission future (04/06/09)

© Adfero Ltd