Researchers at GE are planning to build a pollution free & economical city bus that will run on hydrogen, fuel cells & batteries.
GE (General Electric) will work with Ballard Power Systems, Federal Transit Administration & A123 Systems to make a hybrid fuel-cell bus.
Senator Hilary Clinton on her visit to GE's Niskayuna research center said that the project highlights the way firms & govt. could work together to develop potential technologies that can have a positive influence on this world.
The project is estimated to cost around US $ 13 Million to build a hybrid fuel-cell bus that is totally emission free, having up to 200 miles range.
Developments in battery chemistry & hybrid propulsion procedures present a great potential to provide cleaner & economical transport alternatives, which will reduce dependence on crude oil & encourage a cleaner & healthier environment, said GE's Global Research director, Mark Little.
Since unveiling its ecoimagination program in May last year, GE aims to increase investment in development of clean energy technologies by over 100 % i.e., from US $ 700 Million to US $ 1.5 Billion in next 5 years.
"In near future, Fuel cells will work as efficient petroleum alternatives. The Fuel-cell vehicles use will reduce global dependency on petroleum. For example, if only 20 % cars use fuel cells, U.S. can reduce 1.5 million barrels of oil import everyday," as per the report "Market for Fuel Cell Technology (2006-2007)" published by RNCOS.
The research aims to concentrate on reduction of power requirements of fuel cells & enhance energy storage that would improve the commercial feasibility of the new technology. With, lighter weight, reduced power requirements & advanced batteries, GE looks to make financial gains for transport authorities with the new hybrid fuel-cell bus.
As hydrogen is a tough fuel to handle, GE claims to have necessary piping & valves to avoid gas leaks.
Earlier in October, Ford & BP announced a project to develop a hydrogen re-fuelling station to be built in Michigan, which will fuel the new force of fuel-cell vehicles as nation continues its endeavor to become more environment-friendly.
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