Many of the world's largest auto manufacturers have been showcasing fuel cell technology at an event in Paris.

Hosted by Air Liquide, the event featured a wide range of cutting-edge hydrogen mobility technology from the companies including Daimler, Honda, Hyundai, Michelin and Toyota.

One firm whose technology was on display was Intelligent Energy, which provided the fuel cell engines for a Fuel Cell Black Cab and Suzuki Fuel Cell Scooter.

London Mayor Boris Johnson described the Fuel Cell Black Cab as a "shining example of British ingenuity".

The event in Marcoussis, south of Paris, was an opportunity for the hosts and car makers to raise public awareness of the uses of hydrogen as a clean new energy source.

"Hydrogen technologies are already available, safe and efficient," explained Pierre-Etienne Franc, vice-president Technologies of Future.

"It is potentially a colossal market, thus it is worth committing early. A global automotive market share of one per cent for fuel cell-powered cars would represent €15 billion in sales for the industrial-gas industry."

Intelligent Energy recently worked with PSA Peugeot Citroen in France to develop the H2Origin light urban delivery vehicles, and has a number of other partners including Scottish & Southern Energy and the Suzuki Motor Corporation.

"Historically, infrastructure limitations and technology readiness had been perceived to be key factors behind some manufacturers' reticence to deploy fuel cell cars on a wide scale," commented Dr Henri Winand, chief executive officer at Intelligent Energy.

However, he believes that programmes such as Germany's H2Mobility and schemes in Japan and South Korea focused on market deployment from 2015, combined with large investments in infrastructure and fuel cell electric commercial readiness, will change that.

"These cars will start to become increasingly prevalent on the streets over the next few years," he said.

Source:


Intelligent Energy at Unprecedented Showcase of Fuel Cell Electric Mobility Technology in France (11/10/11) 

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