Vehicles for Tomorrow | Green Energy News

August 24, 2003 – Vol.8 No.22

VEHICLES FOR TOMORROW.

If the latest line-up of vehicles to participate in this year’s 2003 Michelin Challenge Bibendum is any indication, the major auto manufacturers are pursuing many avenues for cleaner or more efficient cars, not just fuel cells.

Of particular interest, and disregarding state-of-the-art, low-emission conventional gasoline-fueled cars, the list includes:

--- 2003 Ford Focus H2ICE - A Focus compact with a hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine.

--- 2003 Hydrogen Hybrid Research Vehicle - A prototype concept car with an internal combustion engine fueled with hydrogen aided, in hybrid configuration with an electric motor.

--- 2003 Ford Focus FCV - Two hydrogen fuel cell powered compact sedans.

--- Mercedes-Benz A Class F-Cell - The company’s smallest car powered with a fuel cell, one of 60 produced.

--- Mercedes-Benz Citraro - One of 30 full-sized fuel cell buses now being tested in Europe.

--- Chrysler PT Cruiser Diesel - A production vehicle offered in Europe, not yet in the U.S.

--- Chrysler Voyager Diesel Minivans - Two entered, different engine sizes, both currently available in Europe.

--- smart diesel - Small in size, small letter s, the less than one-liter car, is available in Europe. Rumors have it that DaimlerChrysler is considering launching the car in the U.S. (Some have made it to these shores already with some clever paperwork.)

--- 2004 Toyota Prius - The next generation Prius, in showrooms in the U.S. by October.

--- 2003 Toyota Prius - The first hybrid car mass produced, now replaced with the more advanced version.

--- 2003 Toyota FCHV - A limited (very limited) production fuel cell vehicle now undergoing testing.