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

Federal, provincial and municipal governmental divisions to integrate the new cars into their respective fleets are BC

The car makes use of a Ballard fuel cell, the latest Mark 902 series, plus Dynatek (Calgary) compressed hydrogen storage tanks rated at 5,000 psi. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press)

Hydro, B.C. Transit, the City of Vancouver, Fuel Cells Canada, the National Research Council (NRC), Natural Resources Canada and the Government of British Columbia. Ballard Power Systems will also have use of a Focus FCV throughout the first three years of a five-year hydrogen fuel technology demonstration program, with specially trained staff members using the car for daily driving, just like the other four Focus FCVs will be used by various government staff members.

The car makes use of a Ballard fuel cell, the latest Mark 902 series, plus Dynatek (Calgary) compressed hydrogen storage tanks rated at 5,000 psi. Each car will be monitored over its three year tenure; with expectations the data retrieved will help expedite

Currently, the cost of producing hydrogen is relatively high, partly due to the low volume being made. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press)

a progression away from fossil fuels and towards a cleaner, more sustainable hydrogen economy.

Those looking to reduce the cost of driving, now that gasoline is being sold for more than $1.00 per litre in many cities across Canada, will most likely not experience cost savings when hydrogen becomes readily available.

Currently, the cost of producing hydrogen is relatively high, partly due to the low volume being made. Economies of scale will no doubt reduce production costs, as will innovations made between now and when FCVs finally become available en masse, the reality of which is currently stumped by the need of a workable refueling infrastructure.