Ford test runs hydrogen buses for militay commuters in Missouri
20 Aug 2008
Ford Motor Company will preview a new hydrogen-powered shuttle service for military commuters at the new hydrogen fueling station, unveiled in the state of Missouri. The two hydrogen-fueled buses between Fort Leonard Wood and Missouri University of Science and Technology will shuttle local officials and visiting dignitaries to the new H2 station.
The ribbon cutting at the H2 station, also serves as an official stop for the government and industry sponsored Hydrogen Road Tour, an unprecedented cross country hydrogen-fuel vehicle tour, traveling from Maine to California during August.(Also see: Hydrogen fuel gets going with road tour)
Missouri S&T is one of several Ford fleet customers using 20 H2ICE buses in locations across North America. Other Ford hydrogen bus users include the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, SeaWorld Orlando, the city of Las Vegas, San Mateo County Transportation Authority, Ottawa Parliament Hill, Prince Edward Island,Toronto, and the city of Vancouver
Steve Tupper, Missouri S&T liaison to Fort Leonard Wood, said the new Rolla H2 station is another step toward defining the codes and protocols for using hydrogen on the nation's roads.
In addition, the Hydrogen Road Tour is giving people hands-on experience with clean, efficient hydrogen-powered vehicles. The tour showcases government and industry progress while addressing the next steps towards commercialisation, including the need for convenient, accessible hydrogen stations.
Hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines have many advantages including high efficiency and near-zero emissions of regulated pollutants and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2). Powered by a 6.8-litre V-10, the highly efficient E-450 shuttle buses are also all-weather capable.
The real world use of hydrogen-powered buses continues to contribute valuable durability and performance data for Ford in its ongoing research to address the challenges of climate change and energy independence.
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