July 28th, 2010 
admin The auto industry has seen the increase in the demand for eco-friendly vehicles as the global community becomes more aware of the threats of global warming. To address the demand, car manufacturers have been investing in the development of eco-friendly vehicles.
One of the more promising technologies is the use of hydrogen as fuel. Hydrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere and when burned, this alternative fuel produces no greenhouse gases. That is why car manufacturers like the Ford Motor Company have been making partnerships to do research on the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Recently, FoMoCo of Australia partnered with the University of Melbourne to delve in further into the hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The university also recently received a $1.2 million grant form the Victorian State Government. With that grant and with Ford supplying engines to the university, the practical use of hydrogen as vehicle fuel will be studied even better. Ford Australia President Tom Gorman said that “Ford Australia is proud to extend our relationship with the University of Melbourne through this important project.” The study will not only focus on the practical use of hydrogen as fuel for vehicles but also on the production of hydrogen.
While hydrogen is abundant, it combines with other elements. So, therefore, for it to be used as fuel, it has to be extracted first. Another problem in the use of hydrogen as fuel is the construction of fuel cells. As of today, fuel cells are fragile and can only withstand low vibrations which means that the current technology is impractical for off-road vehicles since the bumps encountered during off-road driving can severely damage the whole fuel cell assembly.
The participation of Ford on the hydrogen research is not surprising since the company is one of the leading car manufacturers which have already been investing on alternative fuel development. Gorman has this to say about Ford’s dedication to the development of alternative fuel vehicles: “Globally, Ford Motor Company is a leader in the development of alternative fuel vehicles and technologies. The Escape Hybrid, our range of E85-capable flexi-fuel vehicles, and the recent showcasing of the world’s first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability are all examples of our broader global efforts.”
Gorman added that: “The University of Melbourne project is the first to research hydrogen engine alternatives using an Australian sourced engine, and will be an important complement to these initiatives.” The University of Melbourne will be aiming to produce a hydrogen fueled six-cylinder engine from Ford. The technology being developed at the university is called the Hydrogen Assisted Jet Ignition or HAJI for short. This technology when used in a car can provide a performance similar to that of a car equipped with a
Neuspeed cold air intake system.
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Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
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Back off boys, the future is here, hydrogen fuel is plentyful, you can brew it in your basement. BMW is way ahead of the curve on this. I’ll take those keys!
Hi there, good to hear you're trying to help reduce carbon and pollution emissions. Despite the nay-sayers, there are solutions. Might cost a bit though!
Clean Technology Center Collaborative do a conversion kit – which actually works – you can see pictures of converted cars here: http://www.shfca.org.uk/article_image_list.fcm?subsite=6942§ion=46
However, you might find that selling the Jeep and buying a hybrid 4X4 is a more economic (and environmentally friendly) option.
As for it being 50 years before hydrogen-fuelled engines, fuel cells and hydrogen fuel is available – don't believe that! Have a look at "H2ICE" in Google – hydrogen internal combustion engine. Also have a look at the 'Hydrogen Highway' projects in the US, Canada and Germany.
So, short story: you're moving in the right direction, but probably trying to go about things in the most difficult possible way. Hybrids are probably the way to go for now – maybe that new Lexus RX400h or one of the new Ford SUVs coming out soon?