last updated 14th September 05
by 4ecotips.com

Core automobiles of the next generation

Honda Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and BMW AG have agreed to jointly develop technologies for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and vehicles equipped with hydrogen-powered engines.

The tie-up is expected to have a great impact on the already fierce competition among automakers developing fuel cell vehicles, which are expected to be the core automobiles of the next generation.

Internationally standardized technologies are essential for commercializing fuel cell vehicles. During the initial stage of their joint venture, the three automakers will cooperate in looking at ways to develop the technologies required to safely supply extremely low-temperature liquid hydrogen to vehicles, which will be kept at minus 250o C or less.

Hydrogen at this temperature would be extremely dangerous if it leaked from a fuel cell. Therefore, sophisticated technologies will be required to ensure the airtightness of fuel tanks and related equipment and to control the amount of hydrogen supplied.

The three firms aim to standardize fuel nozzles, filler necks and other related components to establish a safe hydrogen supply system.