Ballard sees fuel cell challenges ahead

Feb. 20, 2003
Fuel cell maker Ballard Power Systems said it sees some tough new challenges ahead for its alternative fuel technology for transportation applications. Vancouver, British Columbia-based Ballard said it is most concerned about what it calls "unfavorable government action" related to environmental policies. In particular, Ballard said the California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently recommended delaying
Fuel cell maker Ballard Power Systems said it sees some tough new challenges ahead for its alternative fuel technology for transportation applications.

Vancouver, British Columbia-based Ballard said it is most concerned about what it calls "unfavorable government action" related to environmental policies. In particular, Ballard said the California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently recommended delaying implementation of Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandates in California until 2005, with New York and Massachusetts also proposing delaying ZEV mandates until 2007.

The proposed ZEV regulations in California require that 10% of vehicles sold beginning in 2005 be ZEVs with at least 1% of the requirements being met by true zero-emission vehicles.

The company fears in particular that changing ZEV rules would eliminate vehicle markets for its technology.

Ballard said its fuel cell technology meets those ZEV transportation requirements because it uses hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity for vehicle propulsion, with water vapor the only exhaust emission.

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr | Editor in Chief

Sean reports and comments on trends affecting the many different strata of the trucking industry -- light and medium duty fleets up through over-the-road truckload, less-than-truckload, and private fleet operations Also be sure to visit Sean's blog Trucks at Work where he offers analysis on a variety of different topics inside the trucking industry.

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