Important Innovations

  Green Zero Emissions Commuting                                             Source:  Sea Change Green Waves of Energy in San Francisco Bay In a first of its kind in global public transportation, a hydrogen powered ferry is being prepared to launch on San Francisco Bay this summer.  The Sea Change ferry is totally propelled by hydrogen fuel cells and emits only water and heat. Unlike the rest of the maritime industry of tankers, ocean liners, pleasure boats, tugs and more that spew noxious diesel fuel pollution, the hydrogen ferry is totally emissions free and does not pollute the environment.  The developers say it is clean, efficient and makes sense economically on scale - meaning it has the potential to be a profitable and growing commercial business operation.  Non-Polluting Maritime Operations  The Sea Change is the beginnin...

  Vision FK Concept is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell, Plug-in Hybrid                                             Source:  Hyundai Zero Emissions and Very Fast Hyundai has a Hydrogen Vision 2040 plan to offer in its commercial fleet only hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2040. As it develops its hydrogen technology system across its portfolio, it has just unveiled a 670 horsepower fuel cell plug-in hybrid sports car - the Vision FK concept. This vehicle combines plug-in electric vehicle power with hydrogen fuel cell technology.  A full recharge takes only 5 minutes.  The photos of this exciting concept are camouflaged but it looks sleek and very fast with intake openings to increase speed where the rear doors should be. It is a very promising, zero emissions work in progress. Tech Specs The vehicle combines zero emissions with a lot of power.  The...

World's 1st Manned Hydrogen Powered Helicopter                                    Source:  HyPoint & Piasecki HyPoint & Piasecki Helicopter/eVTOL Partnership New hydrogen fuel cell technology and a new partnership are putting the development of hydrogen powered, helicopters and eVTOLs on the fast track. California based HyPoint, which is developing turbo-air cooled hydrogen fuel cell systems for aviation, has entered into a collaborative development agreement with helicopter manufacturer Piasecki Aircraft Company.  Their intent is to develop and certify hydrogen fuel cell systems for helicopters and eVTOLS to foster a new era of zero emissions, green flying. Global eVTOL Marketplace The two companies will develop a 650 kW hydrogen fuel cell system for Piasecki's eVTOL PA-890 Compound Helicopter.  The vehicle will be the world's 1st, manned, hydrogen powered hel...

  Sea Change: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry For San Francisco Bay                                           Source:  All American Marine US Maritime Industry Starts to Transition from Fossil Fuels to Clean Propulsion The US' first hydrogen fuel cell ferry has just been launched.  The 70 foot Sea Change is a 75 passenger, electric ferry powered by hydrogen fuel cells that will carry passengers on San Francisco Bay.  It was built by All American Marine as a prototype that can be used to develop zero emissions, hydrogen vessels for use in the US and abroad.  The launch of Sea Change is important because it represents a big step by the US maritime industry to transition from highly polluting fossil fuels to cleaner methods of propulsion in the water. Expected to Be Operational in 2021 Sea Change is currently undergoing sea trials.  It should b...

  Revamped & Upgraded Mirai                                                                      Source:  Toyota Mirai Zero Emissions Driving Toyota has introduced a revamped version of the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car with 30% greater range.  The move is designed to jumpstart the use of hydrogen powered vehicles particularly in Japan.  It is also aimed at capitalizing on the rising demand for electric vehicles. Hydrogen Driving Demand To date, drivers in Japan have not embraced fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).  Consumers are concerned about a number of issues, including the resale value of the cars, the availability of hydrogen fueling stations and the risk of explosion.  But Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced a goal to make Japan carbon neutr...

Zero Emissions Aircraft Source:  ZeroAvia's hydrogen powered electric plane Carbon Free, Sustainable Flying ZeroAvia, headquartered in Hollister, CA, is building aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel cells.  It recently flew a modified aircraft with a 350 horsepower powertrain, driven by hydrogen fuel cells.  The US company is part of the UK's HyFlyer initiative which is targeted at moving electric aircraft away from batteries toward fuel cells. Hydrogen Flights ZeroAvia argues that hydrogen fuel cells are highly effective and efficient for electric planes.  They are far lighter and less volatile than batteries.  In fact the ignition point for hydrogen is much higher than for jet fuel or lithium-ion batteries.  Because hydrogen is so light, it tends to disperse rather than collect.  Most importantly an electric powertrain powered by hydrogen fuel cells is twice as efficient as an internal combustion engine. Hydrogen's Future The current drag...

Toyota's New JV in China Source: Stock image of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Focus:  Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems Toyota is betting on a hydrogen fueled future.  The Japanese auto giant is launching a new joint venture to build hydrogen fuel cell systems with 5 Chinese automotive companies.  The joint venture will be based in Beijing.  The Chinese automakers include Dongfeng Motors, FAW Group, GAC, Beijing Sinohytec and Beijing Automotive.  An initial $46 million is being invested and Toyota holds a 65% share of the JV Toyota's Hydrogen City Toyota has a major belief in and commitment to hydrogen as an energy source. Today's JV announcement with the 5 Chinese automakers expands upon it. Toyota has introduced its Mirai hydrogen-electric powered car.  And, Toyota is building what it calls the "city of the future" at the base of Mt. Fuji, Japan.  The city will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells.  And it will function as a living laboratory for hydrog...

Emissions Free Mobility Source:  BMW Hydrogen Powertrain BMW's Strategy & Commitment BMW is strongly committed to hydrogen fuel cell technology as an alternative to gas powered car and electric vehicles.  There are two key reasons:  hydrogen powered cars are zero emissions and require zero charge times.  In fact, BMW has unveiled images of the powertrain for its BMW i Hydrogen NEXT. Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology The future of hydrogen fuel cell technology is big but the infrastructure to sustain it needs to be in place for a big takeoff.  Here are BMW's perspectives on what is needed to make this zero emissions technology go mass market: Production of sufficient quantities of hydrogen for hydrogen fuel cells at a competitive price using GREEN electricity Hydrogen fuel cell tech starting in long distance, heavy duty transport that can't be electrified Extensive networks of hydrogen fueling stations in Europe to start. Hydrogen Wor...

Daimler and Volvo's New Fuel Cell Joint Venture Source:  Daimler Toyota's Hydrogen Powered Smart City Volvo and Mercedes' parent company Daimler have announced a joint venture to develop and make hydrogen fuel cell systems for big, heavy duty trucks - the biggest polluters on global highways. Daimler's truck division is spearheading the effort.  Volvo is pouring in $652 million for a 50% stake in the venture.  This new JV is an important look at the future of greener highways. Hydrogen's Advantages Electric vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells have significant advantages.  They provide much longer range, quick refueling times and emit water, not noxious carbon dioxide pollution.  In Japan, both Toyota and Honda are selling fuel cell Electric Vehicles.  In fact, Toyota, in particular, is betting the future will be driven by hydrogen fuel cells.  At the base of Mount Fuji, Toyota is...

Hyundai's  M Vision S Source:  Hyundai Concept Car that's an Autonomous, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle The M Vision S is Hyundai's vision of the future of mobility.  The vehicle is fully autonomous, hydrogen fuel cell powered and loaded with connectivity.  It's a concept car that Hyundai says is designed for urban sharing. World of New Mobility The M Vision S is equipped with driving sensors like cameras, lidar, radar, 3D rear lamps, virtual space touch and communication lighting.  Communication lighting allows the autonomous car to communicate with, for instance, pedestrians by flashing "Go ahead" or "Be careful".  The lighting also communicates with people inside the car by detecting changes in their mood and then adjusting the lights.  The virtual space touch allows passengers to  listen to music or watch videos. Hydrogen Society Hyundai is a big believer in what it calls the "Hydrogen Society", where hydrogen fue...

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks Coming to a Highway Near You Hyundai's Prototype Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Zero Emissions and Sustainable Hyundai and Toyota are launching hydrogen fuel cell trucks.  The trucks are green, no greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable and quiet. Hyundai Plan The South Korean automaker plans on deploying 1000 hydrogen fuel cell trucks in Switzerland between 2019 and 2020.  Hyundai says the commercial trucks have an estimated range of 248 miles fueled by 8 onboard hydrogen storage tanks. Refueling takes 7 minutes. Toyota Trucks on the Road Toyota just deployed a big freight truck powered by hydrogen fuel cells.  The truck has a range of 300 miles. Toyota has 3 partners in the project:  the Port of Los Angeles, Shell and Kenworth. They're developing 10 zero emissions trucks.  Toyota is providing fuel cell stacks and tanks, batteries and electric motors that will be put into Kenworth's Class 8 trucks.  Toyota is also providing ...