Ford Going Green with Fuel Cell Explorer Prototype - 11/29/06

This week in Los Angeles Auto Show Ford will be showcasing a hydrogen fuel cell version of the Explorer.  The two electric motors that propelled the vehicle have a total output of 174 horsepower. The fuel cell hydrogen storage tank is placed in the center of the vehicle where the automatic transmission would normally be placed.

The tank’s location helps the vehicle reach the range of 350 minutes which is the longest distance a fuel cell vehicle has ever reached.  The Explorer has retained the six person seating and the original cargo capacity of the production Explorer.

The prototype Explorer has been driving 17,000 miles total and holds a record of 1556 miles in a 24 hour period.  These first prototypes are partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

As part of Ford’s worldwide seven city program, Ford also has 30 hydrogen powered Focus vehicles that have more than 300,000 miles logged to date.

Adding to the fuel cell Explorer at the show Ford is including the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid, PZEV emissions complaint Fusion and a 2008 Ford F-series Super Duty with Ford’s clean diesel technology.

Back to the Hydrogen Index