UTC Fuel Cells - Alternatives - Brief Article

Diesel Progress North American Edition, Feb, 2003

A Nissan X-Trail FCV fuel cell vehicle powered by a UTC Fuel Cells hydrogen power plant has been unveiled in Tokyo. The vehicle is the first produced under agreements signed between Nissan and UTC Fuel Cells to develop fuel cells and fuel cell components for vehicles. The zero-emissions X-Trail FCV is a hybrid vehicle drawing primary power from a 75 kW UTCFC ambient pressure fuel cell power plant. It is fueled by compressed hydrogen. Nissan intends to start public road testing of the vehicle in Japan.

Florida powered up its long-term commitment to energy and the environment today with the launch of a year-long demonstration project to study "next generation" energy sources. Using the latest advances in fuel cell technology, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is partnering with Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to research a potential reliable, clean energy that may reduce the state's reliance on imported fuels while ensuring cleaner air for Florida's communities. As part of an FPL research program, a 5 kW hydrogen fuel cell is now installed at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park providing electricity to FPL's distribution network.

Arlington County Va., has begun using biodiesel in its 500 diesel-powered vehicles. This fall, Arlington became the first county in the Washington, D.C. region and the first county in Virginia to begin using domestically produced biodiesel in vehides ranging from school buses to fire trucks to garbage trucks. The county is using B20, a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel.