Rules for the approval of new technology concerning hydrogen-powered cars, buses and lorries have been approved by the European Parliament, it has been reported.

According to Reuters, the new set of standards has been drawn up to ensure that individual European Union (EU) member states do not develop criteria of their own - something the EU parliament said could slow technology development. British MEP Arlene McCarthy has backed these claims, adding that the European hydrogen framework could boost the developing hydrogen-powered vehicle industry.

Explaining the need to act, Ms McCarthy told the news service: "Sales of electric cars and other alternatives have soared, but hydrogen cars are only on the cusp of large scale production."

However, there are concerns that the introduction of hydrogen-powered vehicles could still be hampered by the lack of available supporting infrastructure. Specifically, a hydrogen filling station network is needed for hydrogen-powered vehicles - including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles - to be viable.



Source:

EU lawmakers approve rules for hydrogen cars, 03/09/08
http://uk.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUKL348227220080903?sp=true