The four-million-dollar “production prototype” Ford Focus FCV (for Fuel Cell
Vehicle) I drove is a one-of-a-kind vehicle very close in appearance and
mechanics to the
fuel-cell-powered Focus that is slated for production in about three
years. Yes, three years. Not 25, not even ten. Three measly little years.
My drive in the Focus FCV was nearly thwarted. When I met with product analyst
Ron Gilland, one of the key people on the project, he informed me that they were
awaiting fuel delivery. The Focus FCV is fueled with gaseous hydrogen and, since
there aren’t hydrogen fueling stations on every corner yet, actually obtaining
the fuel is the most difficult part of the process currently. (The refueling
process itself takes about 14 seconds.) While we waited, I talked with Ron about
some of the details. With a nearly identical steel body as the current Focus
sedan, the Focus FCV is about 1,000 pounds heavier due to the extra weight of
the fuel cell components.
While still accommodating four adults like today’s Focus, the Focus FCV’s two
front seats have been raised to house the fuel cell stack module. Trunk space is
also reduced by about two-thirds to make room for the carbon-fiber-wrapped
aluminum hydrogen storage tanks. For the most part, these changes are
unnoticeable and Ford does not see them as major detractors for early production
vehicles. (Initially, the Focus FCV will be produced for fleet use, driven by
people for work purposes, so they won’t need the additional trunk space, but
still need the flexibility to carry four people.)
Moe, Victoria,
Cameroon, Yaounde,
Atlanta Georgia USA
Columbia, Missouri
Morocco, Rabat
Roseville, California
Kyrgyzstan Bishkek
Wangaratta, Victoria
Denmark Copenhagen
Pueblo Colorado USA