Carmaker Morgan Motor is developing a fuel cell vehicle that will still produce the performance of a sports car.

Recognising the need to address vehicle emissions, the firm's corporate strategy director, Charles Morgan, said: "We accept the problems of climate change and think that it would be irresponsible for any manufacturer not to act."

The low emission concept car is a version of the firm's Morgan Aero Eight, and the actual fuel cell being used is under construction by research group Qinetiq, Components in Electronics reports.

Qinetiq project director Ian Whiting said the aim is to produce "a lightweight, low emission sports vehicle" that can conserve energy by utilising a small fuel cell system when cruising, backed up by supercapacitors. Braking will help to recharge the capacitors.

The £2 million project is being part funded by the Department of Trade and Industry, and is using resources at Cranfield and Oxford universities.

To help the fuel cell power the vehicle, Morgan is developing a body weight some 30 per cent lighter than a normal car, partly by using adhesive bonding on the body.


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