Hyundai Motor Co. is involved too, in a team also consisting of UTC Fuel Cells and ChevronTexaco Corp. set up to head a 5-year demonstration and validation project organized to showcase practical applications of hydrogen energy technology.
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| BMW will offer up to 15 hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine vehicles to the cooperative hydrogen initiative. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
Along with the automakers, energy company BP will build a network of hydrogen fueling stations in metropolitan Sacramento, CA, Orlando, FL, and Detroit, MI.
The project, that will also involve two California universities and various public agencies, is hoping to achieve real-world experience with fuel cell vehicles. By doing so it will address related issues such as the cost effective production of hydrogen fuel, for one, and setting up a refueling infrastructure, both critical to hydrogen powered vehicles gaining acceptance in the marketplace. On that latter note, the project will also attempt to educate the public about the forthcoming hydrogen economy.
Most likely additional automakers and support partners will step up to take part in the new initiative.