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Combining an alternative fuel with an alternative engine design, this hydrogen-powered rotary-engined Mazda RX-8 has hit the Norwegian roads, one of 30 of the RX-8s for use in Norway as commercial leases. The hydrogen RX-8s are part of a program directed towards making hydrogen-powered vehicles mainstream in the kingdom in an effort to reduce pollution. The only emission from the tailpipe of a hydrogen-powered vehicle is water vapor, and we're impressed these hydrogen-powered Mazdas are more than just vaporware. Press release after the jump. galleryPost('hyRX8', 3, 'Hydrotary'); Mazda Hydrogen Rotary Vehicle Takes to the Road in Norway HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today introduced the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE (Rotary Engine) vehicle to Norway’s public roads in collaboration with the Norwegian national hydrogen project, HyNor. Initially, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE’s driving performance on Norwegian roads will be validated with a single vehicle, which will also be...
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After successfully building a Hydrogen RX-8 , Mazda has moved on to converting their Premacy van to run on the futuristic fuel. Powered by a newer version of their hydrogen rotary engine, the new vehicle gets a 40% increase in power, an increased range and now approval to test on public streets in Japan. Though we like the idea of hydrogen-fueled, rotary-powered van, we're a little disappointed that it didn't get the full dekotora treatment. A lip spoiler extending eight feet out in front of the van would clearly capture the public's imagination. Press release below the jump. Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid Gains Government Approval to Begin Public Road Testing in Japan HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today received permission from Japan's Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) to test the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid minivan on public roads. Mazda's newest hydrogen rotary engine vehicle features a hybrid system that increases the vehicle's...
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Honda's hoping to snag some love from the Hollywood hype machine for their new green machine, the hydrogen fuel-cell-powered FCX Clarity . Honda's producing 200 of the fuel cell vehicles for distribution to celebrities and other Hollywood luminaries to build buzz for the 73 MPG technological wonder. True, these drivers may not need the fuel efficiency as they drive around with their poodles to pick up their grande skim latte, but whatever, they're influential. Wait a second — why does this sound so similar? Probably because it's the same distribution plan GM's using for their own Chevy Equinox hydrogen fuel cell-powered game-changer. But while the General got a six-month head start on the hype-building, Honda's got one thing they don't have — an attractive vehicle. Yeah, it's the little things. Don't cry GM — there, there — you'll win one of these days. Hey, look on the bright side — when's the Chevy Volt coming out...
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Honda's hoping to snag some love from the Hollywood hype machine for their new green machine, the hydrogen fuel-cell-powered FCX Clarity . Honda's producing 200 of the fuel cell vehicles for distribution to celebrities and other Hollywood luminaries to build buzz for the 73 MPG technological wonder. True, these drivers may not need the fuel efficiency as they drive around with their poodles to pick up their grande skim latte, but whatever, they're influential. Wait a second — why does this sound so similar? Probably because it's the same distribution plan GM's using for their own Chevy Equinox hydrogen fuel cell-powered game-changer. But while the General got a six-month head start on the hype-building, Honda's got one thing they don't have — an attractive vehicle. Yeah, it's the little things. Don't cry GM — there, there — you'll win one of these days. Hey, look on the bright side — when's the Chevy Volt coming out...
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Proving that their Crosscage emits hot water instead of hot air, Suzuki just took their fuel cell-powered concept testing in Europe. Riding impressions are non-existent, but luckily for you, I've ridden the Intelligent Energy ENV that the Crosscage is based on. galleryPost('suzicrosscage', 6, 'Hot Suzuki Crosscage Hydrogen Action'); Both bikes use a similar power train, a hydrogen fuel cell / electric hybrid. Basically, the fuel cell produces electricity, which provides motivation and recharges the battery. When stronger acceleration is needed, the batteries — located in the belly pan — chip in. It's all completely seamless and silent in action and there's no gears or clutch, so the experience is a combination of the tall and narrow riding position of a dirt bike with the controls and power of a scooter. That might sound a bit boring, but the light weight and ease of use make the ideal combination for an approachable urban commuter. While the ENV...
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Looking at the array of biodiesel hybrids, ethanol hydrogen hybrids and fuel cells on display in Central Park this morning, the impression we got was GM is looking to these technologies as the future. All we could think was how much they should be the present. You see, this wasn't a display of pie-in-the-sky concepts or prototypes, but actual vehicles capable of competently carrying humans and all of them designed and built by students on a limited budget. If a couple of pubescent geeks still waiting for their first pocket protectors can put a functioning biodiesel hybrid on a driveway, why isn't GM doing so right now? galleryPost('challengex', 6, 'University of Waterloo Fuel Cell'); We've heard all the arguments before: lack of infrastructure, high development costs, unproven technology, bad leadership; but here are vehicles which, as we speak, are being driven to Washington DC in climate-controlled comfort by their student creators Yes, GM is developing the...
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There's apparently some competition for the Frozen Chevy Nova installation in our ongoing quest for the best piece of ice-based conceptual automotive art pieces. The latest entry comes from Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Elliasson, who has been one of our favorite artists since his The Weather Project at the Tate, which is maybe our favorite contemporary installation (take that FelixGonzalez-Torres). This one involved removing the shell of a BMW H2 racer and replacing it with reflective metal and then covering it with a fragile layer of ice. Said Elliasson "How do we give a tangible dimension to the fact that our engagement in the world has global consequences? How can we as consumers and creators of reality change the trajectory of transportation? Of moving? How can we put pressure on the car as an object?" We got to see Elliasson speak before an exhibit at the Menil in Houston and we can attest to him not being a completely insane foreign artist. Larger photo and press release...
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Sleeplessly cramming hour after hour for organic chemistry in college has proven to have been a complete waste of time, cause we can't understand how the newly unveiled Oorja Protonics Methanol Fuel Cell works. "Methanol you say?" Yes, the alcohol with one less carbon atom is now making news as a possible fuel of the future. Seems these new fuel cells are two to tentimes more powerful than previous methanol fuel cells, and it's only a matter of time before the Envirocrats start using "Methanol Fuel Cell" as their latest buzz word. Expect bills in Congress, concept cars, hippy rallys and pogo sticks which tout methanol fuel cells any time now. [Via Oorja Protonics ] FREMONT, Calif.--Oorja Protonics (Oorja), the San Francisco Bay Area based developer and manufacturer of ultra-powerful fuel cells, today announced its public launch and patented direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology. Funded by venture capital firms Sequoia Capital and DAG Ventures, and led by...
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Morgan is building the LifeCar to demonstrate, "that a zero emission vehicle can also be fun to drive." The tiny English car maker - better known for wood framed roadsters - is trying to do what no car maker has done before it: bring to market a fast, fun, desirable sports car that makes no sacrifices for its hydrogen fuel cell. galleryPost('morganlifecar', 6, 'Morgan LifeCar'); Built on the same basic architecture as the Aero8, the LifeCar is given a more futuristic art-deco look as well as a significant reduction in weight. By combining that low weight with high levels of hybridization, Morgan predict the LifeCar will have performance to match a sports car while achieving a 200-mile fuel range. Charles Morgan, the company's Strategy Director, told CarBodyDesign, "The real challenge is to design and build a car that is fun to drive - a proper sports car. The use of ultra capacitors to store the surplus energy and then use this for acceleration and braking...
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Our partners in crime over at Giz may not have gotten any sleep this week while patrolling the Consumer Electronics Show, but they did manage to snap some shots under the hood of the hydrogen fuel-cell Volt. You'll notice the hydrogen tanks in the rear of the car and a battery pack out front that's smaller than the original by about 20% but will still let the car travel on electric-only power for about 40 miles. Remember, this is the same E-Flex platform found on the Cadillac Provoq . galleryPost('volothydrohood', 3, 'Volt Hybrid Innards'); Cruise on over to Gizmodo if you want to see more pictures of this naked concept. Cruise over to Fleshbot for naked everything else. [ Gizmodo ]
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One of the most expensive parts of a fuel cell is the metal catalyst, which is often platinum. So it's good news for those who want cheaper fuel cell vehicles that researchers at the National Renewable Energy Labs in Colorado have wired a hydrogenase enzyme to connect electrically with a carbon nanotube. We think? By combining the super tiny strands of carbon with hydrogenese a "biohybrid" catalyst is created, eliminating the need for platinum and other metal bits. Yeah science! [ Physorg ]
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The most remarkable thing about driving Honda's FCX Clarity prototype isn't how it emits nothing but water, its torquey, 13,500 rpm electric motor, hydrogen equivalent of 68 miles per gallon or the perverse pleasure that goes with driving a multimillion-dollar automobile. It's the air-conditioned seats. Notice I said driving , because other than the whirring buzz of the motor, the Clarity goes, brakes and turns just like any other car. I had to keep reminding myself I was indeed behind the wheel of a hydrogen fuel-cell powered feat of engineering. Frankly, the Clarity feels like a slightly larger Accord. Again, Honda's latest FCX uses no gasoline whatsoever and behaves just like -- no, make that exactly like -- a regular car. And those AC seats? They have built-in fans to blow thermoelectrically cooled air, so no ozone-killing chlorofluorocarbons are needed to chill your fat butt. Pretty neat. galleryPost('claritydrive', 12, 'Jalopnik Drives the Honda FCX Clarity'...
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You're going to want a Honda Home Energy Station IV if you're going to be tooling around town in your new Clarity fuel cell vehicle, lest you should have to fill up at a community hydrogen station like a commoner. This trick station hooks up to your home's natural gas supply and not only produces hydrogen for your FCV, but also heating and electricity for your home. The system provides a reduction in emissions and energy use by utilizing gas purification and power generation in one unit. Like all good things, this is still an experimental project. Press release below:galleryPost('hondaeheIV', 4, 'Honda Home Energy Station IV'); Honda Introduces Experimental Home Energy Station IV 11/14/2007 - TORRANCE, Calif., - Honda today announced that it has begun using the Home Energy Station IV at its Honda R&D Americas, Inc. facility in Torrance, California. This fourth-generation experimental unit is designed to provide fuel for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle...
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Just over a year ago, we told you about General Motors' plan to put 100 fuel-cell vehicles on the road by the end of 2007. It appears GM still plans to meet that goal, as they recently reiterated the claim at the Frankfurt Auto Show . Under the name "Project Driveway," Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Vehicles were to be delivered to those with eco cred and who live near a hydrogen refueling center in the US, Germany, Japan, China and South Korea. GM says most of the recipients were influencers like government officials, celebrities and the military. Apparently GM will also give some of the vehicles to the public, with recipients picked from a pool of online applicants. Details on where or how to sign up, however, don't appear to exist. With the 100 vehicles, GM claims it'll have the largest fuel-cell fleet on the road, but there's no need to worry about another EV1 incident -- these things only have a shelf life of 50,000 miles. We're offering a hearty pat on the back to the reader who guesses...
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Toyota 's announced today they've one-upped Chevy's little Sequel with their own FCHV ( Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle). If you remember, the Chevy Sequel took a 300-mile one-way drive across the state of New York to become the first fuel cell vehicle to go more than 300 miles in one fill-up. Toyota's FCHV team decided they could beat that and they have -- the team just finished a 348-mile one-way drive from from Osaka to Tokyo on a single fill-up of hydrogen . The road test -- part of ToMoCo's FCHV public-road test program -- started in central Osaka City and finished up at the Mega Web auto-themed amusement park in Tokyo's waterfront area, covering approximately 348 miles. But not only was the fuel cell hybrid minivan-UV able to make it the full distance, it was even able to do it with the air conditioner on -- the entire way. Beat that -- umm -- every vehicle on the market. Full press release after the jump. TOYOTA FCHV Makes Osaka-Tokyo Trip Without Refueling --Initial Hydrogen Fill-up Enough...
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