Date:         Wed, 1 Nov 2000 15:22:01 -0700
Reply-To:     John Klun <jklun@GJ.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Klun <jklun@GJ.NET>
Subject:      Re: Fuel Cell engine swap someday?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Anybody got any liquid hydrogen handy?  :)

Bill Davidson wrote:

> Volkswagen Unveils Its First Fuel-Cell Car At the Grand Opening of the
> California Fuel Cell Partnership
>  Volkswagen's Bora HyMotion - a new drive concept
>
> SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov 1, 2000 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Volkswagen, a
> leader
> in the development of environmentally friendly technologies in Europe and
> across
> the globe, showed the world its first fuel-cell car during the opening of
> the
> California Fuel Cell Partnership Headquarters in Sacramento, Calif.
>
> Volkswagen calls the car the Bora HyMotion, which is designed as a genuine
> "zero
> emission vehicle." The Bora model is known as the Jetta in the U.S., the
> top-selling European nameplate.
>
> The HyMotion's engine uses an advanced fuel cell that transforms hydrogen
> and
> oxygen into electrical energy for the electric motor. The only by-product
> from
> this process is water vapor.
>
> In the HyMotion, the fuel cell's engine works at the core of the car's drive
> system, which allows it to run at a higher degree of efficiency than that of
> a
> typical combustion engine. Further, with this fuel cell system, the most
> efficient operation is realized at mid throttle, which is the throttle range
> used the most during driving.
>
> The Bora HyMotion tank has a capacity of 50 litres of liquid hydrogen at
> minus
> 253 degrees Celsius. This is an energy equal to 12 litres of petrol covering
> a
> range of about 350 kilometres. The electric motor operates quietly, without
> vibration and ensures a pleasant and relaxed drive. The asynchronous
> electric
> motor has a power output of 75 kW and with 240 Nm of torque in a large
> revving
> range, the Bora accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.6 seconds reaching a
> top
> speed of 140 km/h.
>
> The unveiling of this prototype comes in conjunction with the celebration of
> the
> grand opening of the headquarters for the historic California Fuel Cell
> Partnership, which was formed in April 1999 to pave the way for
> demonstrating
> fuel cell vehicles. Private companies and public agencies formed the
> California
> Fuel Cell Partnership to help advance this technology that promises
> practical,
> affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions for
> California
> and the world.
>
> The Partnership includes auto manufacturers (DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Honda,
> Hyundai, Nissan, Volkswagen, and soon GM and Toyota), energy providers (BP,
> Shell, Texaco), fuel cell companies (Ballard Power Systems and International
> Fuel Cells), and government agencies (the California Air Resources Board,
> California Energy Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of
> Transportation, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District).
>
> Volkswagen has been a member of the "Fuel Cell Partnership" since October
> 1999.
>
> As one of the world leaders in helping make the car industry an
> environmentally
> responsible one, Volkswagen is excited to be a part of this historic
> consortium.
> With the debut of its HyMotion prototype, Volkswagen hopes to further
> demonstrate its commitment to the Fuel Cell Partnership and making fuel-cell
> vehicles a reality and a success.
>
> Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn
> Hills,
> Michigan. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in
> Wolfsburg, Germany. The fourth-largest producer of passenger cars in the
> world
> and Europe's largest, the Volkswagen Group's annual sales approach 5 million
> units. Volkswagen operates some 35 manufacturing facilities in 15 countries
> across five continents. Brands in the Volkswagen Group include Volkswagen,
> Audi,
> Seat, Skoda, and most recently Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, and Bugatti.
>
> In the U.S., Volkswagen has sold more than 12 million cars and has
> consistently
> been the top-selling European importer to the United States.
>
> SOURCE Volkswagen of America, Inc.