Ford Delivers First Fuel Cell Cars to Vancouver Fuel Cell Vehicle Program

It's true. Due to companies such as Ballard, and many others, Vancouver has become a world leader in fuel cell and hydrogen

"We are the world centre for hydrogen development," the Honourable Richard Neufeld, British Columbia's Minister for Energies and Mines. "What we want to do is build on that." (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press)

development. "We are the world centre for hydrogen development," added Neufeld. "What we want to do is build on that."

The biggest challenge, at least so far, is developing an infrastructure of refueling stations to service hydrogen-powered cars. When asked if his ministry would be assisting in this process, Neufeld said, "What happens with that is, it will take, I think about another ten years before the companies even figure out whether this technology and the way it is today, is going to be something that they can market forward to the Fred and Marthas of the world. So, you won't see too much in the way of filling stations on the road. But Washington and California are talking about a hydrogen highway that could connect to Vancouver, so those things are coming in the future too. So our ministry will

The biggest challenge, at least so far, is developing an infrastructure of refueling stations to service hydrogen-powered cars. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press)

be involved in helping that happen, but industry will be coming forward with most of the money. Probably by the 2010 Olympics, you'll see buses that are hydrogen-powered running between here (Vancouver) and Whistler. We're hopeful that that takes place, but that's a ways down the road. Ballard has, I think, ten prototype buses around the world today... trying them out in different climates; different areas of the world to see how they work. It (the 2010 Olympics) will be a huge time to showcase British Columbia around the world, not just for 2010 but for all the things that go along with it."