Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles would be cleared for sale in a standardised and simpler way under new proposals from the European Commission.

Should the proposals be accepted, hydrogen cars that are ready for releasing on the market would be incorporated into the EU's existing "type approval" system, Reuters reports.

The move is intended to simplify the approval process and would also ensure that standards are universally applied through the 27 countries that make up the European Union, The Commission claims.

The proposals require ratification from the European Parliament and EU governments before becoming law.

It was also announced that the EU executive will provide funding for research into the development of hydrogen technology under the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology initiative.

Over six years, the EU will provide $664 million, while manufacturers within European industry will match the amount.

Commenting on the proposals, Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen said: "The car of the future will be different from what we know today. It will not be driven by petrol or diesel."

Sources:

EU eases hurdles for hydrogen cars, 11/10/07
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSL1046747620071010

EU promotes hydrogen cars, hydrogen tech development, 11/10/07
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-10/10/content_6860372.htm


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