Frequently Asked Questions
FUEL CELLS
Q. What is a fuel cell?
A. A fuel cell is an "electrochemical device" that produces electricity without combustion. Hydrogen fuel (which can be obtained from a variety of feedstocks including natural gas, methanol, water or even biomass) is combined with oxygen (from air) to produce electrical energy. The conversion process is environmentally benign: only heat and water are emitted as byproducts.
Q. What is a fuel cell engine?
A. A fuel cell engine is the complete set of components that are integrated into a vehicle with the fuel cell so that the fuel cell's electricity can power the vehicle's wheels. Think of the fuel cell as the engine block in your car – in this case, its like a small electric power plant. As in the internal combustion engine, the fuel cell requires other systems to make it a complete energy source, including air, fuel and control systems. In a fuel cell vehicle, an electric drive system, which consists of a traction inverter, electric motor and transaxle, converts the electricity generated by the fuel cell system to tractive or motive power to move the vehicle.
Q. The only fuel cell cars currently available are very expensive prototypes. When will these vehicles be available at a more reasonable price for the average consumer?
A. In addition to advancing the fuel cell technology, there are many infrastructure challenges ahead. The Vancouver Fuel Cell Vehicle Program is a critical step in moving us closer to our goal, but it is hard to predict when we will see volume applications. We believe that Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) may become viable in the next 10-15 years.
HYDROGEN
Q. Is hydrogen a safe fuel for vehicles?
A. Like all fuels, hydrogen has energy and needs to be treated with respect. Every precaution is being taken to ensure that hydrogen vehicles are as safe as their gasoline and diesel counterparts. Hydrogen is used today on a daily basis around the world in the chemical and fuels processing industry, with an excellent safety record.
Q. What is being done in the area of safety?
A. International safety standards for hydrogen as a fuel are being developed by the International Standards Organization (ISO); in fact, Canada chairs the ISO committee responsible for hydrogen standards. The Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance's Codes and Standards Working Group addresses hydrogen safety issues. For more information visit http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/es/etb/ctfca/CodesAndStandards_e.html
THE VANCOUVER FUEL CELL VEHICLE PROGRAM
Q. What is the Vancouver Fuel Cell Vehicle Program?
A. The Vancouver Fuel Cell Vehicle Project is a seven-year project that include a five-year demonstration initiative to test Ford Focus FCVs under real-world conditions in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia. The project is the first fleet demonstration of fuel cell cars in Canada. It's a critical step in the evolution of fuel cell technology for automobiles and the development of a hydrogen economy.
Q. Who is coordinating the project?
A. Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Canada is overseeing this project on behalf of its partners. H2FCC will be responsible for the deployment of the vehicles, driver training, data collection, insurance, emergency response training and addressing bylaw zoning issues.
The VFCVP is a consortium made up of the Government of Canada, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Canada, Ford Motor Company, and the Government of British Columbia.
Q. What is NRCan's role in this project?
A. NRCan is the lead for the Government of Canada. NRCan's role in the project is multi-faceted, including: funding support; working with industry to establish fuelling stations; overseeing codes and standards activities; performing greenhouse gas (GHG) studies; and assessing fuel cell vehicles and the refuelling infrastructure.
Q. What does this project entail?
A. This project will test and demonstrate five Ford Focus FCVs for three years in 'real world' conditions with 'real drivers'. Demonstration of the "customer-ready" Ford fuel cell vehicles will provide valuable information on performance, durability, and reliability that can be applied toward the evolution of fuel cell vehicles to the commercial marketplace in the transition to a hydrogen economy. The project will examine fuelling issues and solutions, assess reduction levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Public outreach, education and awareness building will also be important elements of the project.
Q. How many vehicles will be part of the fleet?
A. Ford is providing five Ford Focus FCVs to the project coordinator, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Canada for evaluation purposes.
Q. What are the estimated GHG reductions as a result of this project?
A. The five Ford Focus FCVs are expected to reduce GHG emissions by a total of about 60 tonnes over the three-year demonstration period. GHG reductions are dependent on the fuel source and process used to produce the hydrogen fuel. In this case, the hydrogen will be produced primarily from the electrolysis of water using electricity generated from hydro dams i.e. green electricity. If the hydrogen were produced by the reforming of natural gas, for example, the total reduction for five cars over a five-year period would be about 35 tonnes.