North America and Japan Aren't the Only Players in the High-Stakes Hybrid/FCV Game
Bluntly said, the automobile is a crucial factor in greenhouse gas control and the quality of urban life. Here in North America, we're hearing a great deal about the initiatives towards hybrid-electric, fuel cell, and bi-fuel vehicles by greats like Toyota, Honda, General Motors, and Ford.
| |
| European automakers are also looking seriously at alternative fuel market, such as BMW and their bivalent CleanEnergy vehicle. (Photo: BMW) |
However, they are not the only groups looking seriously at the alternative fuel question. In Europe there is the BMW CleanEnergy hydrogen fueled vehicle that has even garnered significant attention on this side of the pond. Recognizing that a hydrogen infrastructure has yet to be established, they have created a bivalent vehicle that is fueled from either a hydrogen tank or a gasoline tank.
When one of those tanks becomes empty, the vehicle automatically switches to the other. Such a flexible fuel system could be the decisive advantage for the fast introduction of hydrogen vehicles.
| |
| Peugeot is a world leader in electric vehicles with overall production at approximately 10,000 units. (Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroën) |
Also in Europe, PSA Peugeot-Citroën is worthy of attention. Peugeot is a world leader in electric vehicles with overall production at approximately 10,000 units. There is also the Citroën Saxo, that granted only has an 80 km (50 mile) range and top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph).
In a wonderfully cooperative venture the recently launched Liselec service in La Rochelle, France offers electric cars available on demand. This brilliant concept, especially for the city driver, provides program members with shared access to electric vehicles, which are available around the clock at self service stations.