There are also some Canadian company connections with Ford's efforts to create a hydrogen economy for their Fuel Cell Vehicles. For instance, Vancouver based fuel cell maker Ballard Power Systems supplies their fuel cells. Calgary's Dynetek Industries, a world leader in alternative energy fuel storage technologies has supplied a Mobile Hydrogen Fueling Station. Stuart Energy of Mississauga, Ontario, a pioneer in hydrogen technology research, development and product engineering has one of their Personal Fuel Appliances (PFA) currently installed on Ford's tractor-trailer for refueling demonstrations during the continental road show.
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| Despite some negative views on their commitment, Ford said hydrogen-powered Focuses will be used by fleet operators in and around Vancouver in the near future . (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
So despite negative views on Ford's commitment to providing environmentally friendly vehicles, Ford's promotional tour still highlights the benefits we will see as a result of their efforts, such as assuring by the end of year five that hydrogen-powered Focuses will have been in use by fleet operators in and around Vancouver, British Columbia, for up to three years. Fleet users have yet to be chosen for the project, which a Ford spokesman says will cost about $3.5 million.
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| Other automakers are also gearing up their green divisions and partnering with some big names, such as DaimlerChrysler with UPS and General Motors with FedEx in Japan. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
Other automakers are also on the green road again. DaimlerChrysler has vehicles being tested by courier giant UPS, Honda has its' FCVs with the city of Los Angeles, while General Motors has six cars with the Feds in Washington. GM has also partnered up with FedEx Corporation in Japan at the beginning of July by placing their HydroGen3 vehicle on the courier company's regular routes in Tokyo; the first approved for commercial use in the country. Toyota did have some FCVs at two University of California campuses, but they were recently recalled over technical concerns.