The "Focus FCV" was a
hydrogen powered version of the second generation North American model. Just before
Bill Ford (the great grandson of
Henry Ford) stepped down as the CEO of Ford on September 5, 2006, he devoted much of his time and energy to researching this new technology of hydrogen cars. He was eager to make a Hydrogen powered car for Ford, which had already been successful with its hybrid cars, such as the
Ford Escape Hybrid. However, Bill felt it was time to make something newer, more fuel efficient, and more advanced. The car was powered by a Ballard 902
fuel cell. The fuel cell compresses hydrogen in its 5,000
PSI tank and creates electricity when the hydrogen was separated into
protons and
electrons. The car itself was powered by two sources: one source was from the fuel cell itself and the second was from the car's battery pack. It was considered a
hybrid because it was powered by two different sources. The car's only byproduct is water which, is made when the hydrogen from the fuel cell contacts the oxygen from outside. It has a top speed of 80 MPH and a driving range of 150 to 200 miles. Ford delivered 18 cars to various cities within the United States with one car later relocated to
Iceland. It was a zero emissions vehicle. == References ==