Hydrogen cabs 'on London streets by 2012'

[jpak]

http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/online/news/articles/2008-05/Hydrogen-cabs--on-London-streets

Fuel cell technology company Intelligent Energy has outlined plans to put hydrogen-powered black cabs on the streets of London in time for the 2012 Olympics.

The company said it is currently working on the project in collaboration with Lotus Engineering, London Taxis International and TRW Conekt.

Henri Winand, chief executive at Intelligent Energy, said: "Fuel cell vehicles offer considerable well-to-wheel emissions savings and produce no pollution at the tail-pipe. The black cab is an internationally recognised and iconic symbol of London and this partnership is an important part of making low carbon transport a practical and near-term reality."

The project is being undertaken as part of a recent £23 million government investment set aside to fund 16 low-carbon vehicle development programmes across the UK.

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[jpak]

1. Mayor announces Europe's largest fleet of hydrogen buses for London

http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=14475

The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, today announced that ten new hydrogen powered buses will join London's bus fleet by 2010. When operational on London's streets, the hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles will produce no pollution or carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming, and will help improve the capital's air quality.

Transport for London has signed a contract with ISE - an American company with a record of delivering hydrogen buses - for five hydrogen fuel cell buses and five hydrogen internal combustion engine buses. This is one of the world's first commercial contracts for hydrogen buses. The vehicles will be operated by First on behalf of Transport for London.

In February 2006, the Mayor announced the London Hydrogen Transport programme, which aims to introduce 70 new hydrogen vehicles into London - ten of these vehicles will be buses. Transport is responsible for 22 per cent of London's emissions, and the Mayor's Climate Change Action plan sets a target for annual reductions. Hydrogen vehicles are clean and efficient, and it is expected that the ten hydrogen hybrid buses will produce substantially fewer emissions of CO2 and other harmful air pollutants than a conventional diesel bus.

Ken Livingstone, said: "Hydrogen is a fuel of the future as it improves air quality and does not produce the harmful emissions which are causing catastrophic climate change. These ten new hydrogen vehicles will be clean and efficient, providing a smoother, quieter ride for passengers.

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