Ford to Demonstrate Fuel-Cell Explorer With 350-Mile Range

Ford Motor Co. is using the L.A. auto show as a platform to hype its advanced hydrogen fuel-cell technology with its Explorer Technology Demonstration Vehicle 2 (TDV2).

While other auto makers have fuel-cell test vehicles on the road, Ford says it is the only auto maker to develop one that can achieve 350 miles (563 km) on one fill up of its 22-lb. (10-kg) hydrogen storage tank and has traveled 17,000 miles (27,359 km) in real-world applications.

Ford Explorer Technology Demonstration Vehicle 2.

The fuel-cell Explorer, developed in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy, set a world record in Dearborn, MI, when it was driven 1,556 miles (2,504 km) in a single 24-hour period, Ford says.

The TDV2’s extended driving range comes courtesy of an oversized hydrogen storage tank, which occupies the space usually reserved for the SUV’s 6-speed automatic transmission, which was replaced by an advanced electric all-wheel-drive system.

“It uses two electric motors (for propulsion) and has no driveshaft,” a Ford spokesman tells Ward’s, noting the vehicle also has a large center-mounted tank.

“It shows you can package a fuel-cell powertrain without encroaching on a vehicle package too much,” he says of the SUV, which can accommodate six people and cargo.

Despite making significant advances in hydrogen fuel-cell technology, the spokesman says Ford is developing a variety of alternative powertrains.

“We’re taking the opportunity to remind people there isn’t one solution,” he says. “The unique thing about Ford is we have a broad-based approach that we think is unique in the industry, and this is an opportunity to highlight that.

“We’re a leader in the fuel-cell game and have hydrogen, internal combustion, ethanol and clean diesel engines. We have all the alternative-powertrain cars (under development).”

The fuelcell-powered Explorer is being made available for media drives during this week’s L.A. show.

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