Automotive Newswire from BRG Townsend, Inc. reports that six major automakers have agreed to collaborate in a focused one-year effort to develop hydrogen storage tanks capable of withstanding high pressures on fuel cell-powered vehicles.
DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Toyota, and some of their suppliers have agreed to develop fuel cells that are capable of withstanding 10,000 pounds per square inch of pressure. Currently, most fuel cell vehicles are capable of holding 5,000 psi, which allows for a cruising range of 170 miles.
The group will also seek to standardize certain aspects of the design of hydrogen fuel systems.
In order to help ensure that there is fuel to pump into these vehicles when they finally do go into production, US Dept. of Energy chief Spencer Abraham flew to Texas, where he was meeting with the oil patch contingents and emphasizing the need to begin developing an infrastructure that will be able to service hydrogen-powered vehicles.
