In 2003, hydrogen cars saw much development as both Nissan and
Toyota rolled out a couple of models before the public. In addition,
a rare Russian fuel cell vehicle was shown in Moscow and Folkscenter
showed off their Ford Focus.
 |
The 2003 Nissan X-Trail
FCV uses a PEM fuel cell developed by UTC Fuel Cells unlike
the 2005 Nissan X-Trail FCV whereas the fuel cell was developed
in-house. The 2003 Nissan X-Trail FCV uses an E-drivetrain and
5,000 psi compressed hydrogen tanks. |
 |
The 2003 Intergalactic H2 Hummer
was developed by W. Fred Robinson and Tai W. Robinson, founder
and CEO respectively. The Intergalactic H2 Hummer was first
shown at the 2003 Los Angeles International Auto Show, when
the convention was still being held in January that year. The
Intergalactic H2 Hummer used a modified General Motors Vortec
V8 internal combustion engine. |
 |
The 2003 Fiat Seicento Hydrogen uses
a PEM fuel cell stack with an output of 40 kw. The Fiat Seicento
Hydrogen also features a dynamic compressor and low noise reduction.
Coming in first in its category in a race in 2005 sponsored
by the Montecarlo Automobile Club, the Fiat Seicento Hydrogen
beat out other fuel cell vehicles on a mixed roadway track of
250 miles. |
 |
The 2003 Mitsubishi Grandis FCV minivan
used a 68 kw Ballard Mk 902 fuel cell stack. The Mitsubishi
Grandis FCV was developed with DaimlerChrysler Japan Co., Ltd.,
and employs a 65 kw electric motor with 210 Nn of torque. |
 |
The 2003 Suzuki WagonR FCV has a
35 MPa storage rating for its two compressed hydrogen tanks.
The 2003 Suzuki WagonR FCV contains a 50 kw fuel cell developed
by General Motors and was first shown at the 2003 Tokyo Motor
Show. |
 |
The 2003 Mazda
RX-8 Renesis (RE) is a dual-fuel rotary engine vehicle able
to use both gasoline or hydrogen at the flip of a switch. The
rotary engine in the Mazda RX-8 Renesis is not prone to misfiring
or backfiring as are most standard internal combustion engines. |
 |
The 2003 Toyota Fine-N hybrid electric
fuel cell vehicle is a concept car that combines all-wheel electric
motors and a range of 311 miles. The Toyota Fine-N is based
upon the Toyota Fine-S, which was unveiled at the Detroit Auto
Show. Stylish and futuristic looking the Toyota Fine-N use drive-by-wire
and lithium-ion battery technology. |
 |
The 2003 Honda Kiwami (which means
"ultimate" in Japanese) made its debut at the 2003
Tokyo Motor Show. The low center of gravity and bullet-like
styling make this fuel cell vehicle not only a visual wonder
but a performance wonder as well with its 4WD and use of ultracapacitors
for added oomph. |
 |
The 2003 Honda FCX has a range of
170 miles and a top speed of 93 mph. The 2003 Honda FCX also
uses a Ballard PEM 78 kw fuel cell, a 5,000 psi gaseous hydrogen
tank and can create 272 Nm of torque. |
 |
The 2003 Nissan Effis compact commuter
fuel cell car uses a Super Motor design to distribute power
independently to right and left wheels, enhancing stability
and performance. The fuel cell stack and lithium-ion batteries
of the Nissan Effis are sandwiched underneath the floor. |
 |
The 2003 BMW 7-Series V12 hydrogen
automobile is a dual-fuel vehicle using either hydrogen or gasoline
to power the luxury car. The 2003 BMW 7-Series V12 hydrogen
uses liquid hydrogen for fuel at minus 473-degrees F and the
engine was first unveiled at the 2003 Frankfort Motor Show. |
 |
The 2003 Avtovaz Lada Antel-2 is
a Russian-made fuel cell vehicle first shown at the 2003 Moscow
Auto Show. The Avtovaz Lada Antel-2 also used nicke-metal hydride
(NiMH) batteries and compressed hydrogen to power the station
wagon. |
 |
The 2003 Folkecenter Ford Focus is
a standard 2-liter Ford Focus that was converted to run on hydrogen
gas. The internal combustion engine of the Danish Folkecenter
Ford Focus burns cleanly with 10 times less cost than a comparable
car using a fuel cell. The car is unique in that it is dual-fuel
and starts up using gasoline, then switches over at the appropriate
revolutions per minute to hydrogen. |
 |
The 2003 Hyundai FCV is unique in
that it contains a reformer that uses methanol, a liquid, and
water to create hydrogen, which then is run through its fuel
cell to power the vehicle. The onboard reformer of the 2003
Hyundai FCV is a novel idea in that it solves a key infrastructure
issue in that methanol, as a liquid, is much easier to transport
than gaseous hydrogen. |
 |
The 2003 Ford H2RV uses
an internal combustion engine, boosted by a supercharger to
run on compressed hydrogen gas. The 2003 Ford H2RV also uses
a Modular Hybrid Transmission System (MHTS) and is based upon
the Ford Focus wagon. |
 |
The Toyota Fine-S made its debut
on January 7, 2003 at the 2003 North American International
Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. With a futuristic design, the
Toyota Fine-S is a fuel cell vehicle, which supplies power to
all four wheels, has a long wheel base and added road stability. |
 |
The Ford
Model U utilizes a uniquely supercharged hydrogen-powered
internal combustion engine coupled with a hybrid electric transmission.
Inspired by the Model T, the Ford Model U SUV addresses a new
universe in auto making including a focus on environment, emissions
and use of green materials in manufacturing. The Ford Model
U also includes a conversational speech interface to operate
onboard systems. |