TABLE OF CONTENTS In Chapter 6 the use of the proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel-cell as an energy source suitable for an electric car was discussed and its method of operation described. In this chapter we will consider how the hydrogen essential for the operation of a PEM fuel-cell can be provided in the car, how it can be stored, and what the implications for the fuel infrastructure will be. All the information currently available on the prototype and experimental fuel-cell cars being developed by the major automotive manufacturers is also given in Table 11.1.
| Manufacturer | Daimler Chrysler | Daimler Chrysler | Ford | Ford | GM | GM | Honda | Mazda |
| Model name | NECAR 5 | Commander SUV | P2000 HFC | Think Focus FCV | Opel Zafira | Opel Zafira HydroGen 1 | FCX-V3 | Demio-FCEV |
| Drive type | 3-phase induction | 3-phase induction | 3-phase induction | 3-phase induction | PM Synch | 3-phase induction | ||
| Power source | Fuel-cell + methanol reformer or H storage | Fuel-cell + methanol reformer + battery | Fuel-cell + H storage | Fuel-cell + H storage | Fuel-cell + methanol reformer or H storage | Fuel-cell + H storage | Fuel-cell + H storage + super-cap. | Fuel-cell + H storage + super-cap. |
| Max power O/P (kW) | 55 | 70 | 67 | 67 | 80 | 89 | 60 | 65 |
| Voltage (V) | 330 | 255 | 315 | |||||
| Top speed (km/h) | 145 | 128 | 128 | 120 | 145 | 130 | 90 | |
| Claimed range (km) | 450 | 160 | 160 | 640 | 400 | 177 | 170 | |
| Date for production | 2004 | 2004? | 2004 | 2004 | 2004 | 2003 | ||
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
