Fuel cell vehicles designed by seven leading automakers embarked on a 1,700-mile trek between southern California and Vancouver, taking in 28 cities along the way.

The 'Hydrogen Road Tour', which commenced on 26th May and lasted for nine days, featured models from Daimler, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai-Kia, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen.

Commenting on the tour, Jeff Serfass, President of the National Hydrogen Association (NHA), said: "The Hydrogen Road Tour is another example that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are not a science experiment.

"These are real vehicles with real marketability and real benefits."

A recent report by the NHA showed that hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles could cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent in comparison to 1990 levels.

Hydrogen Vehicles Drive from Mexico Border to Canada (21/05/09)

Ballard Power Systems has confirmed that it is discontinuing its joint venture with EBARA Corporation.

The project was aimed at developing all aspects of stationary power systems for the residential cogeneration market in Japan.

According to the company, the decision was made in light of the projected low growth of the market for 2009.

However, it will continue to sell its FCgen-1030v3 fuel cell product - which can be used in residential cogeneration - to firms such as Baxi Innotech GmbH.

Ballard announces plans to dissolve EBARA Ballard Corporation Joint Venture (24/05/09)

Ballard has also refuted investors' concerns over its reluctance to invest in fuel cells for commercial vehicles, the Canadian Press reports.

President and Chief Executive John Sheridan said: "I would love to see the technology … but in terms of the commercial reality, we just don't see it."

Sheridan added that the company - which is focusing its fuel cell efforts on backup power and forklifts - does not believe commercial production of auto fuel cells will occur until 2015.

Ballard pushes fuel cells for uses other than autos; some investors stuck in past (02/06/09)

UC Irvine (UCI) has reacted with dismay to the news that the US department of energy has cut almost all spending on hydrogen-fuelled vehicles in its latest budget.

The research faculty, which plays host to the National Fuel Cell Research Center, believes that fuel cell vehicles could be commercially viable within a few years.

"Due to the lack of political guidance and consistency, the oil companies have been conservative in investing in putting up many stations," Centre Director Scott Samuelson told the Daily Pilot.

UCI currently operates a small hydrogen filling station in Orange County, one of 26 in the state of California.

UCI research lab frowns on funding cuts (26/05/09)

A senior figure at General Motors (GM) revealed that the company is still committed to producing fuel cell vehicles despite being forced to file for bankruptcy.

Vice-President of Research and Planning Lawrence Burns explained that the company is looking for alternative funding to keep its developments on track.

"We believe they're strategically important for the nation. We've shared that perspective with members of Congress, members of the department of energy," he was quoted as saying by the Winnipeg Free Press.

GM is planning to provide two fuel cell-powered SUVs for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

GM looking for alternate funding for fuel-cell car development, says executive (01/06/09)

Protonex revealed recently that it has received a $500,000 (£303,722) grant to aid its development of high-power fuel cell systems for unpiloted aerial vehicles.

The funding, handed over by the US Naval Research Laboratory, is an extension of an existing contract between the two parties.

Protonex pulls in $500K for UAV fuel cell power system (03/06/09)

Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies has confirmed that it has developed a new hydrogen-powered fuel cell device to be used in unmanned aerial vehicles.

The new 4.4lbs system, which can operate at 22,000 ft and store 900Wh of electrical energy, is designed to slot into existing battery bays without the need to alter vehicles' airframes.

Horizon announces development of new fuel cell system for UAVs (03/06/09)

Daimler has officially launched its new Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid city bus and is planning to offer 30 of the vehicles to European mass transit companies.

The fuel cell system in the buses is the same as those used by the company in its Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL passenger car.

Next-Generation Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid Debuts in June (09/05/09)

Seven leading organisations from a range of sectors across the US have called for the government to reverse its decision to cut funding on fuel cell vehicle research, Business Wire reports.

"Fuel cells are essential to achieving national goals for energy security, sustainability and global competitiveness," read a letter sent to the House and Senate energy and water appropriations subcommittee.

The groups involved are the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the American Lung Association, the Electric Drive Transportation Association, the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Stella Group, the National Hydrogen Association and the US Fuel Cell Council.

Fuel Cells – A Technology We Can All Agree On (03/06/09)

Finally, Nuvera Fuel Cells has revealed that it has sold 14 of its PowerEdge fuel cell systems - plus a PowerTap Hydrogen Generator and Hydrogen Station - to San Antonio-based firm H-E-B.

The units, which will be delivered in September 2009, are set to be utilised in H-E-B's Class II forklift trucks at its distribution centre.

"H-E-B is committed to being a leader in the use of clean energy technologies, and we believe that hydrogen and fuel cells offer tremendous potential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously improving our productivity," said H-E-B Director of Fleet Maintenance Bobby Greene.

Nuvera to Deliver Fuel Cell Power Systems and Hydrogen Refueling Station to H-E-B (11/06/09)

Ÿ Adfero Ltd