Fuel Cell Corridor News

Jan 31 

Ballard signs MOU with Tata Motors to power clean fuel cell bus demonstrations

Ballard Power Systems has announced signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tata Motors (India) for 12 FCvelocityTM-1100 fuel cell stacks. These stacks are expected to power zero-emission buses planned for demonstration in various Indian cities. Delivery to Tata Motors is planned for 2012 and 2013, in-line with that Company's plans.  Read more 

Jan 30 

Automakers Stand up for Fuel Cell Vehicles and Hydrogen at Policy Summit in Washington

The National Journal held a policy summit this week underwritten by The Washington Auto Show titled, "Driving Innovation: The Role of the Auto Industry in the Green Economy."  The event featured two panels which discussed a range of topics including the current and futures roles of government and industry in creating jobs, reducing emissions and oil dependence and some of the challenges and opportunities that exist in expanding the market for low-emission and alternative fuel vehicles.  Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) were discussed a number of times, and industry leaders seemed to believe that FCEVs need to be an alternative fuel option and are ready for commercialization.
 
James Wiseman, Group Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Toyota Motor North America, insisted that consumers need to be able to choose what types of fuel systems they want to buy and that having the government or industry choose one by guessing where the consumer market will be in the future is unrealistic.  In line with this, Toyota will be offering a range of alternative fuel vehicles and hybrids, including an FCEV which is still planned to be available by the middle of this decade.
 
Fuel cell electric vehicles were also discussed by Mike Stanton, president of Global Automakers, whose members account for 40% of the cars built and sold in the U.S.  Stanton claimed that he is "bullish on fuel cells," and that their members believe that the technology is ready, and still advancing rapidly.  Wiseman and Stanton both mentioned that infrastructure for hydrogen is an important next step and that it will require a hand from the government, as well as collaboration with all parts of the industry.
 
Another article recapping the fuel cell content of the event can be found here, and the National Journal page for the event is here.

Jan 16

DOE Secretary Chu Meets with Automakers to Discuss Fuel Cells and Hydrogen at NAIAS (Detroit Auto Show)

At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this week, the Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu had a face-to-face meeting with several automakers to discuss advanced technology vehicles.  Several of FCHEA's members were in attendance, and reports from the meeting indicated that discussion of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen energy dominated the conversation.
 
Acknowledging the sustained interest in FCEVs and hydrogen infrastructure in the room, Secretary Chu closed the meeting by suggesting that a consortium of automakers and fuel suppliers convene to work together on FCEV infrastructure.
 
This meeting would not have been possible without the efforts of Mary Beth Stanek of General Motors, and she is due many thanks. We also thank our automotive members for using their valuable time with the Secretary to focus so unwaveringly on FCEVs and hydrogen infrastructure. This was a real success for all involved.  

Jan 16

Mercedes E Superlight to be a fuel cell car, coming in 2015

For months now, rumors have been circulating that Mercedes-Benz was working on a carbon-fiber-bodied sedan based on the E-class that would reduce weight radically while improving performance and fuel efficiency. Enter the Mercedes E Superlight, which will first release as a production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV) in 2015. Read more

  OFCC News/Updates