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Ford's H2RV is a Hydrogen engine propelled Hybrid Electric concept Vehicle that was unveiled and driven at Ford's Centennial Show in June 2003. This vehicle is an industry first by an OEM that demonstrates the concept and the marriage of a HEV powertrain with a supercharged Hydrogen ICE that propels the vehicle. Just as Model T was the car of the 20th century, Model U is the vehicle for the 21st century. The powertrain utilizes compressed gaseous hydrogen as fuel, a supercharged 2.3L internal combustion engine, a 25 kW traction motor drive, the electric converterless transmission, regenerative braking, an advanced lithium ion battery, electric power assist steering, electronic throttle and Vehicle System Controller (VSC). The vehicle could deliver a projected fuel economy of 45 mpg and near zero emissions without compromise to performance.

In recent times, the development of alternate-fuel vehicles, including those fueled by hydrogen, has become relatively common. While there are potential safety related issues with any combustible fuel, these have been resolved over the last 100+ years. The comfort level with gasoline fuel has resulted from the widespread application of simple safety procedures followed at every stage of gasoline refinement and handling. It is important to have analogous procedures for handling hydrogen-fueled vehicles safely and with confidence. The characteristics of hydrogen, including: a) wide flammability range, b) very low ignition energy, c) odorless and difficult to detect, d) high diffusion rate, e) high buoyancy, f) invisible flame, etc., bolster the need for safe practices and procedures.

Ford's Hydrogen Hybrid Research Vehicle (H2RV) is an industry first parallel hybrid vehicle utilizing a hydrogen internal combustion engine. The goal of this drivable concept vehicle is to marry Ford's extensive hybrid powertrain experience with its hydrogen internal combustion engine technology to produce a low emission, fuel-efficient vehicle. This vehicle is seen as a possible bridge from the petroleum fueled vehicles of today to the fuel cell vehicles envisioned for tomorrow. A multi-layered hydrogen management strategy was developed for the H2RV. All aspects of the vehicle including the design of the fuel and electrical systems, placement of high-voltage subsystems, and testing, service, and storage procedures were examined to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle. The results of these reviews led to the design of the hydrogen sensing and mitigation system for the H2RV vehicle.

Today, Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are synonymous to vehicles that offer a greater fuel economy and lower emissions when compared to their conventional production platforms. The development of an affordable hybrid technology faces challenges on several forefronts. Challenges include, but are not limited to, their technical content and development, corporate challenges, government regulations, program challenges, selecting technology partners and producing a hybrid vehicle that customers find fun to drive. As technologists, our goal is to ensure that the consumer understands that HEVs go that extra mile and provide far more than better fuel economy and lower emissions. HEVs are attractive and fun to drive because they offer multiple attributes and features to that consumers want. Hybrids offer all-wheel drive capability, traction control, regenerative braking, zero emissions, active air conditioning at vehicle stops, silent re-starts.