Nissan Provides First Fuel-Cell Powered Vehicle For Hire

July 7, 2011 By

Article by Glady Reign

In the automotive industry, a common goal is set: to produce vehicles which are environment-friendly. One of the car makers dedicated to the production of clean cars is Nissan. They have recently developed a fuel-cell powered vehicle which they are making available for the public to experience. The X-Trail, Nissan’s sports utility vehicle, received a make over and part of it is the fuel-cell technology that it now employs. This hybrid version of the X-Trail can be accessible to commuters in Japan.

This is because the Nissan Motor Co., Ltd has recently delivered to Knagawa Toshi Kotsu Ltd. the latest version of the X-Trail. The hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle will be part of the company’s chauffer-driven hired-car fleet. Nissan is the first manufacturer to make available to a hired-car service a hired-car service. The use of the Nissan X-Trail fuel-cell powered vehicle will give commuters a chance to experience how it is like to ride in a vehicle that runs on fuel-cell technology.

The Nissan X-Trail FCV or fuel cell vehicle is equipped with a Nissan fuel-cell stack and a compact lithium-ion battery. The good combination of these gives the X-Trail FCV a performance like that of a gasoline-powered X-Trail. The fuel-cell stack provided by Nissan to the FCV is capable of producing as much as 90 kilowatts. This power gives the FCV a top speed and acceleration rate almost similar to that of the gasoline-powered X-Trail. The use of fuel cell in vehicles reduces the dependence on fossil fuel which is non-renewable source of energy. This means that once the supply of fossil fuel is gone, it is going to be gone forever. That fact makes the development of alternative source of energy of utmost importance.

The use of fuel-cell technology is a good alternative to gasoline since a vehicle powered by this technology gives off no emission harmful to the environment. The only thing that a vehicle with fuel-cell gives off is water vapor. The process involves the fusion of oxygen and hydrogen, both of which are abundant in the atmosphere. The fusion of the said elements will produce a chemical reaction from which electricity can be extracted. This is then stored in the lithium-ion battery of the car where it is called upon to power the electric motor that drives the vehicle. These parts are all made to be reliable and not prone to breakdown just like Volvo 940 parts. During the fusion of hydrogen and oxygen, the only by-product is water.

The use of fuel cell technology has indeed been explored and further developments are also being made. With more advances in this field of alternative fuel, the cost of production will surely be lowered. This means that more and more of these clean cars will be available to the public. Nissan is already embarking on a crusade to help in the effort of the global community to reduce harmful CO¬2 emission. This effort involves further development in the fuel-cell technology field. They are developing fuel cells which are not fragile and can take on the bumps on the road. The cost of fuel cell is also an issue they are addressing; they are developing ways on how to make inexpensive fuel cells. Once they found a way to overcome the production cost issue, they may be able to mass produce fuel cell vehicles.

Aside from the Nissan X-Trail fuel cell vehicle made available for a hired-car fleet, Nissan also allows consumers to have a fuel cell vehicle driving experience to test its performance and advantages. They allow consumers to test-drive fuel cell vehicles at their Nissan Gallery in Ginza, Tokyo.

About the Author

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

Question by dancerplight: Id like to speak a word about Hydrogen Fuel and why it isn’t being talked about more.?

I really think hydrogen fuel is # 1 for the consumer, but the reason I think it will never make it to market is because of politics. Think about it, if you had the vehicle and the contraption that made the gas, you would be completely energy independant. The gov couldn’t tax you on anything. They would sell you what you need and then they couldn’t make any money off you.. Goverment always wants to stay in your pocket so they can keep an eye on you. Comments?

Best answer:

Answer by Robert R
The contraption that makes the gas is presently a huge plant. That is the problem so far, developing infrastructure to deliver the gas, and a way of separating the hydrogen that is not in itself energy intensive.

Add your own answer in the comments!

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Honda “FCX Clarity” Fuel Cell Vehicle : DigInfo [CC]

June 26, 2011 By

default Honda FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle : DigInfo [CC]

DigInfo – www.diginfo.tv Honda FCX Clarity Related Links – www.honda.co.jp – automobiles.honda.com – www.fcexpo.jp (FC EXPO 2009)

Video Rating: 4 / 5

Article by Andrew Braithwaite

Over the last year we have seen sharp rises in fuel, this has been brought about due to the rising oil prices and already high amount of tax added. In the UK the average price of petrol is well over £1.10 and the USA and Europe have also seen a high increase. Many vehicles in the USA have larger engines and do far less to the gallon so any increase in price effects the average motorist.

A new concept in powering cars has been available for some time, hydrogen fuel cells: Also known as water fuel cells and ‘run cars on water’ systems are available to help the average motorist cut fuel costs by up to 50%.

These can be bought as kits but what many are doing is buying blueprints at much lower costs and making there own, as they can easily be built and installed to any car.

Before I go into which one is best I’ll give a brief explanation of how a hydrogen fuel cell works. A hydrogen fuel cell is a small device which is fitted under the bonnet of any car. Consisting of a small bottle and a specially made coil this bottle is connected to the battery, there is also a feed to the cars air intake.

When the car is running electric is drawn from the battery into the bottle, a special chemical reaction takes place (electrolysis) and HHO gas is extracted from the water – This is then introduced to the cars air intake system by pipe providing an extra source of fuel and making the car burn the existing gasoline more efficient.

So a hydrogen fuel cell still needs petrol to function, they just cut the amount thats used. There are however many different kits, guides and resources to follow to build them. Normally a hydrogen fuel cell can be made for well under 0 from parts found in at local shops. The installation is designed for anyone and should not take long too. To help you choose a hydrogen fuel cell its worth visiting Run Cars on Water Review.

About the Author

Water4Gas was Run Cars On Water Review 1st choice, it seems many have successfully converted there car using this system. Many consider Water4Gas the best option based on its value and information.

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Energy Department Kicks in $119 Million for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Research

June 24, 2011 By

Article by Rick Chapo

President Bush has indicated it is imperative to kick America’s oil habit. In conjunction with this goal, the Department of Energy has just announced a 9 million dollar research initiative.

Money for Research and Development

Obviously, automobiles are the basis of America’s oil addiction. Everyone seems to have at least one car if not more. To attack this problem, the current administration is putting a lot of emphasis on hydrogen fuel cell research for vehicles.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are extremely environmentally friendly. They work by converting hydrogen and oxygen into electricity through a chemical process. This process is particularly attractive because it produces no pollutants, is nearly twice as efficient as combustible gas engines and relies on extremely plentiful resources that are not located in foreign lands. There are, however, a few drawbacks to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Hydrogen powered cars are much more expensive than traditional gas powered vehicles. The technology is simply not advanced enough to make production cost effective. The vehicles themselves are also not particularly efficient at this point in time from both a performance and range perspective. The answer to these problems, of course, is research and development.

To spur research on hydrogen fuel cell cars, the Department of Energy has created a Research Roadmap that is designed to identify and set goals for overcoming technical and manufacturing problems related to this new energy platform. At the Washington Auto Show, the agency also indicated it was kicking in 9 million dollars in grants to get the ball rolling.

The Department of Energy is focusing on a few key issues for research. They include improving fuel cell membranes, water movement within the fuel cell, advancing the chemical conversion process and addressing the impact of impurities in the fuel cells on performance and length of service of the automobiles. Each of these subjects has proved to be a barrier to mass production of hydrogen fuel cars.

The ultimate goal of the Department of Energy is to have hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in mass production by 2020. To this end, the 9 million dollar kick start represents a small part of the over 1 billion dollars the agency will devote to research and development on fuel cell automobiles. While 2020 may seem far into the future, at least we are taking steps to move beyond our reliance on foreign energy sources.

About the Author

Rick Solare is with SolarCompanies.com – a directory of solar power and solar energy companies. Visit SolarCompanies.com to read more solar electricity articles.

Question by dHizzy: Need a catch title for an essay involving the future and fuel cell cars?

I’m writing a final paper for my english class about fuel cell technology. I wanted to incorporate the word future, since it sort of goes with fuel, but i’m open to ANY suggestions! Please help, this is due tomorrow!

Best answer:

Answer by Elliott
I found the exact essay you are looking for here:

http://yy.vc/essay1

Cheers!!

Add your own answer in the comments!

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General Motors – Number One Alternative Fuel Vehicle Company

June 23, 2011 By

General Motors Co. has become one of the top motor vehicle companies in the alternative fuel industry. GMC has made a stand to promote cleaner, more efficient and greener vehicles. Their motto promotes this endeavor: “Thing green, go yellow.”

GMC is promoting its E85 vehicles very heavily. E85 stands for 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The E85 is made from corn (get the yellow part now) or other biodegradable waste (even garbage). It burns cleaner than regular gasoline. It is also cheaper to make as the corn is grown in the Unites States, thus limiting the dependency on foreign countries. Just these reasons alone show why GMC is setting the standard with alternative vehicles. You also can’t watch a television show without seeing a commercial promoting the new greener GMC.

However, a lot of it has to do with the environment. With the global warming crisis becoming a head-on problem, companies such as GMC are trying to help out. Cars aren’t going to go away just because the earth’s average temperature is rising. GMC isn’t going to stop making vehicles either. That’s why the company offers alternative fuel vehicles, which GMC is committed to.

GMC’s website offers a ton of information on its alternative fuel vehicles such as fueling stations around the country, specs on cars and specific state requirements. Those looking for more information on the alternative fuel vehicles GMC has to offer can download brochures on each car from its website.

Let’s look at some of the specific contributions GMC has made to the alternative fuel industry.

- GMC is producing 12 E85 FlexFuel vehicles for 2008. The company plans making half of its manufactured cars E85 or biodiesel by the year 2012.

- The GMC offers many different classes of vehicles, not just tiny commuter cars. The Chevy Tahoe, Suburban are just two of the 12 cars offered. These are two large-sized SUVs.

- GMC has partnered with SmartWay to create over 1,400 fueling stations (early 2008) and only plan on creating more and more as people demand more fueling stations.

- GMC offers companies the option of buying a fleet of cars to help reduce gas emissions.

GMC is committed to helping the environment by creating less greenhouse gas emissions. It does offer other alternative options such as its Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell. The car is run on a hydrogen fuel cell and its only waste product is water, making it a truly remarkable improvement. That means no emissions, no greenhouse gases, only water.

Filed Under: Hydrogen Fuel Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle with Ford Automotive Replacement Parts at Parts Train

June 21, 2011 By

Article by Jenny McLane

The Focus FCV is one of the industry’s first hybridized fuel cell vehicles combining the improved range and performance of hybrid technology with the overall benefits of a fuel cell.Using a fuel cell powertrain supplied by Ballard Power Systems, the world leader in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology, the FCV is hybridized with the addition of a nickel metal-hydride battery pack and a brake-by-wire electro-hydraulic series regenerative braking system. The fuel cell engine converts chemical energy into electric energy using hydrogen fuel and oxygen from air. The electric energy then powers the vehicle’s electric drive motor, producing only water vapor and heat as by-products.Just like Honda’s Insight and Civic hybrids, the new battery ‘assists’ the main powerplant by adding extra power when accelerating or climbing hills, and is charged by regenerative braking system when braking or decelerating. Of course, the Civic and Insight use a small gasoline internal combustion engine instead of a fuel cell, but the principle is the same.”This Focus FCV is the most sophisticated environmental vehicle Ford has developed,” said Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, Ford Motor Company vice president, Research and Advanced Engineering. “As such, is a critical success in our long-term strategy to move toward high volume production of hydrogen powered cars and trucks.”The Focus FCV has onboard sensors, which constantly monitor the fuel cell stack, trunk and the passenger compartment. If trace amounts of hydrogen are detected, the system will warn the driver. If a slightly higher level is detected, the system will transition to a limited operating strategy and then begin shutting down vehicle operations.Its new battery pack, regenerative braking system and improved hydrogen gas storage tank help increase the driving range of the four-passenger Focus FCV to between 250 km (160 miles) and 320 km (200 miles) – about 30% better than the previous version,The new Hydrogen Storage Tank Technology in the Focus FCV stores four kilograms of hydrogen, which is equivalent to four gallons of gasoline. It also features an in-tank pressure regulator, which lowers the pressure so the gas leaves the tank at approximately 150 psi to work its way through the fuel cell.Ford is working closely within the industry and with fuel providers to help develop government codes and standards for a hydrogen-fuelling infrastructure and to help improve the commercial viability of fuel cell technology by bringing all stakeholders together in an effort to eliminate barriers to mass production and implementation.”The launch of this Ford fuel cell demonstration fleet, together with the previously announced DaimlerChrysler deployments of cars, vans, and buses powered with Ballard® fuel cells clearly demonstrates the strength and leadership of our fuel cell alliance,” said Dennis Campbell, president and Chief Executive Officer, Ballard. “This unique collaboration between Ford, DaimlerChrysler and Ballard Power Systems is fielding the most extensive fuel cell vehicle demonstration ever undertaken.With years of combined experience in selling premium quality auto parts, <u>Parts Train</u> has been the trusted and most reliable source of superb quality engine parts, electrical body parts and other auto parts. Shopping for excellent quality automotive parts here in Partstrain is easy and hassle-free. You can browse our accessible user-friendly online parts list at http://www.partstrain.com either by make or part type. Ordering is a breeze, simply select the premium car parts you want and fill in your particulars at its secure checkout page.

About the Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Filed Under: Hydrogen Fuel Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Water for Gas Ebook – Exploring Alternative Vehicle Fuels

June 16, 2011 By

With the rising fuel costs and depleting fuel reserves it has become imperative to find alternative fuels to run cars and other vehicles on. Some of the large automobile manufacturers are experimenting with hydrogen gas as an alternative fuel, but there are still certain issues which need to be addressed in order to make this alternative system successful.

Let’s take a look at the various issues surrounding the use of direct hydrogen gas as an alternative fuel, and also the other options which are available.

High costs of Hydrogen distribution

Distribution of hydrogen to various parts of the world in order to be used as a fuel is the first issue that needs to be dealt with. The costs involved in transporting the hydrogen and building pipelines are reported to be very high and thus are not economically viable.

Dangers of the distribution of Hydrogen

Studies suggest that there are many potential dangers associated with filling car’s tank with hydrogen gas. The safety concerns still need to be dealt with before this direct hydrogen alternative fuel can be put into widespread use.

Water – the better alternative for the source of hydrogen gas

A better alternative fuel which can be used to run vehicles is water. Not only is it freely available, but it is also safe to use and requires just a slight modification to the car engines. There are many people who have already implemented the system in their cars and are raving about the better mileage, longer engine life, and the considerable fuel cost savings that the system offers. Using water that is a container of hydrogen gas is the safest way in the process of converting car to run on hydrogen fuel.

The technology uses water which is broken down into two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen, known as Brown Gas, by the process of electrolysis. All it requires is a small modification to the vehicle’s engine which can be easily done by following the instructions provided in the good Water for Gas Ebooks.

These Water for Gas Ebooks provide you with detailed step by step instructions to modify your engine and thus start saving on fuel costs immediately. Visit Water for Gas Ebook – Exploring alternative vehicle fuels and discover how people have saved hundreds every month.

Question by Leveret: Two different ways for hydrogen fuel production?

What are two different ways for hydrogen fuel production?

Thank you!

Best answer:

Answer by ϕ WR φ
The Kvaerner-process, electrolysis, Fermentative hydrogen production.

>>>> Check it >> http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/technology/hydrogen-fuel/

What do you think? Answer below!

Clean burning renewable energy is here with hydrogen fuel cell solar combination. Please read the original blog post in which this appeared for the full context: www.markjoyner.name And the controversial follow up post here: www.markjoyner.name

Video Rating: 4 / 5

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ITM Power: Hydrogen Vehicle Fuelling & Eco Rally

June 11, 2011 By

ITM Power: Features ITM Power’s expertise in decarbonising transport using green hydrogen as a zero carbon footprint fuel.

Video Rating: 5 / 5

Question by nikeboy_072003: What are three examples of how hydrogen fuel cells are being used today?

Fuel cells run on hydrogen, the simplest element and most plentiful gas in the universe. Hydrogen is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Each hydrogen molecule has two atoms of hydrogen, which accounts for the H 2 we often see. Hydrogen is the lightest element, with a density of 0.08988 grams per liter at standard pressure, yet it has the highest energy content per unit weight of all the fuels – 52,000 Btu/lb, or three times the energy of a pound of gasoline.
Hydrogen is never found alone on earth — it is always combined with other elements such as oxygen and carbon. Hydrogen can be extracted from virtually any hydrogen compound and is the ultimate clean energy carrier. It is safe to manufacture. And hydrogen’s chemical energy can be harnessed in pollution-free ways.

Best answer:

Answer by razielxm
I know that one thing they’re using them for is car engines, although that’s still in it’s early phase. Please to note, though, you left out the fact that extracting hydrogen from it’s chemical friends is, as of yet, not energy efficient. This is the main downfall of hydrogen fuel cells. Currently, though, photoenzymes are being developed to solve this problem. Until then, though, fuel cells are not a good alternative energy source.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Discover Save Fuel Suggestions With Hydrogen Hybrid Fuel Saver * Gas Saving Cars

How 2 Save Fuel a Northridge, California based company is continuously moving towards changing vehicles to hydrogen in a new and unique fashion. What they are doing is revolutionary, a mighty motion in the right direction, the most proficient hydrogen hybrid solution on the market and an answer which is affordable.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars have been in the public panorama for several years now, still we still don’t see them on our streets and highways. The idea of using hydrogen as see them on could very possibly be the long term remedysolution, but storing hydrogen on board is an unfeasible idea. Big fuel cells that put forth chemical disposal problems and the exigencyfor high-priced infrastructure with hydrogen fueling service stations has cast genuine dubiousness on the reality of ever seeing hydrogen cars populate our roads.

How 2 Save Fuel (How2SaveFuel.Com), a Northridge, California established company is steadily providing the idea of converting fuel to hydrogen in a uniquestyle.

Instead of creating new problems by introducing the hazards of having hydrogen on board vehicles in a compresed fashion their patent pending technology generates hydrogen which autos to hydrogen in the fuel mix instantaneously. How2SaveFuel.Com economically converts pre-existing vehicles to environmentally friendly hybrids one vehicle at a time with a system that extracts the hydrogen on demand from a reservoir of distilled water

Benefits
What most people want to know about, fuel economy improves completely on hydrogen hybrid system is installed. The improvement deviate considerably, but an average of 25 to 35% mpg boost is commonplace Additionally, consumers notice an increase hydrogen hybrid solution available and torque. A dynamometer test run recently on a 1989 Ford F250 Truck increased the horsepower from 181.75 to 188.75 and the torque from 266.20 ft pounds to 293.53. That equates to 7 more horsepower and 27.33 more foot pounds of torque.

But quite likely the greatest boost for all of us, extraordinarily notable on older vehicle engines, is a powerful reduction in smog emissions.

The advantage on a tested Ford F250 result in less waste, decrease in nitrous emissions and carbon emission decreased to zero, and this Ford’s “before” scores were within the passng numbers. This is a great solution for environmentalists and all of the rest of us.

But with the “side-benefits” of increased gas mileage (mpg) and horsepower which will lead to a reduction of dependence upon imported fossil fuels how2savefuel.com is pointing and leading the way towards a better future economically, environmentally and in every aspect of life which is affected by automobile fuel

Discover Save Fuel Suggestions With Hydrogen Hybrid Fuel Saver * Gas Saving Cars

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