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Hybrid Car Fuel Cell
Toyota has been on the forefront in developing fuel cell hybrid cars. Their new model FCHV-adv, which was unveiled in June, 2008, can travel more than twice the distance of its predecessor model without needing filling up. The FCHV-adv has a maximum cruising range of 516 miles, which is over twice the 205 miles for the previous version of the Toyota fuel cell car. The FCHV-adv model has already received Japanese government approval and in a surprising move from the Toyota, will be available for leasing in Japan during late 2008. Many analysts see this advancement in fuel cell technology to manufacturing phase as a major step in alternative fuel evolution. Fuel cell vehicles run on the power of the chemical reaction when hydrogen stored in a tank combines with oxygen in the air to produce water, and produces no pollution as a end result. The car also has an electric motor and is a hybrid car that can switch between the electric motor and the hydrogen-powered fuel cell. Fuel efficiency for the FCHV-adv has been improved by 25 percent due to improved technology for braking, among other things. The fuel cell vehicle is also improved to work well and start in temperatures as low as minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit.
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