Hydrogen fuel cell specialist Hydrogenics is the latest firm to join forces with the Plug-in Hybrid Development Consortium, a leading proponent of fossil fuel alternatives.

The consortium's ambition is to coordinate research into plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and facilitate widespread commercialisation of the technology.

"Hydrogenics is pleased to join the consortium to explore how plug-in hybrid architecture can be a viable platform for advancing the affordability and commercialisation of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles," said vice president of business development at the firm, John Werderman.

"We look forward to joining efforts to deliver cleaner transportation alternatives that reduce our dependency on petroleum," he concluded.

Hydrogenics, the latest in a long line of organisations, suppliers and manufacturers to be affiliated with the project, is already a leading provider of green technologies and will play a major role in pioneering an effective PHEV design.

Co-founder of the consortium, Brian Stokes, also manager of the Clean Air Transportation for Pacific Gas and Electric, announced: "We are pleased to welcome Hydrogenics to the consortium.

"Its insights and capabilities enrich our collaborative efforts to advance PHEV solutions," he added.

PHEVs are the next generation of hybrid cars, set to replace current designs such as the Toyota Prius. Whereas common hybrids combine an internal combustion engine with a battery, plug-in designs use hydrogen fuel cells in conjunction with a larger electric supply, which can be replenished using a standard power outlet.

Current prototypes can achieve the equivalent of over 100 miles per gallon with zero emissions.

Earlier this week, it was announced that energy firm AES had joined the consortium.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd