Ford Focus FCV

The Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) represents Ford's commitment to advancing the use and development of alternative-fuel technologies. It is one of the industry's first hybridized fuel cell vehicles combining the improved range and performance of hybrid technology with the overall benefits of a fuel cell. The original drive-train of the Focus has been completely discarded, replaced with new hydrogen and electric hardware. Under the hood, the Focus gets an 87 hp/170 lbs-ft AC induction motor that also functions as a generator during braking. The motor is connected to a single speed trans-axle. Since electric motors have a flat torque curve from zero up to their maximum rpm, they can get away with out any extra gearing. Sitting on top of the motor is the traction inverter module. This unit is a three phase bridge that has a maximum current capacity of 330 amps and operates at a nominal voltage of 315 volts. Ford claims the Focus FCV looks and drives like other Focus sedans on the road today. Although it is designed to look like any other car on the road, under the hood of the Focus FCV is a sophisticated hybrid electric powertrain. Tucked under the floorpan is a hydrogen fuel cell and auxiliary energy system that supplies electricity to the powertrain. It combined an innovative powertrain with a Ni-MH high voltage battery and a hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine to help increase performance and efficiency while still providing zero emissions. All this was packaged in the world's best-selling compact car and offered traditional comfort and driving feel to the customer.