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Ford and Project Partners Showcase Hydrogen Technology
Tallahassee, Fla., April 27, 2005 Ford Motor Company, the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP), TUG Technologies Corporation, Delta Airlines and the
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) showcased a hydrogen fueled tow tractor
outside of City Hall in downtown Tallahassee, Fla., today.
Project partners have teamed to create a one of a kind product to benefit the local
environment and economy. Two TUG M1 tow tractors will be placed into service with Delta
Airlines as baggage carriers at the Orlando International Airport later this summer. They will
be powered by a Ford 4.2-liter, V-6 industrial engine converted and calibrated to operate
on gaseous hydrogen. The proof-of-concept hydrogen fueled engines will create
approximately 80 horsepower at 3600 RPM - naturally aspirated. The tow tractors emit
near zero tailpipe emissions, without utilizing an exhaust after-treatment system, making them
an ideal solution for the airport environment where emissions levels are strictly regulated.,
The engine also delivers up to a 99.7 percent reduction in carbon dioxide, with the main
by-product being water.
"This project is envisioned to lead the way for other hydrogen fueled products for
private, commercial and industrial use in a variety of global applications," said Jack Damron,
director of Ford Power Products.
Ford Power Products, a leading supplier of Ford powertrains to the industrial market,
has a long standing working relationship with TUG Technologies. TUG Technologies is a
partner and valued customer of Ford which uses the company's powertrains in a variety of
ground support applications. Ford's 4.2-liter engine has been a key power source to the
ground support equipment market in gasoline, natural gas and liquid petroleum gas
configurations. "Our existing partnerships create a natural fit for us to work with TUG and the
state of Florida to introduce hydrogen internal combustion engine technology to the airline
ground support industry," said John Andreas, manager engineering and programs for Ford
Power Products.
Ford's V-10, E-450 shuttle bus powered by hydrogen internal combustion engine.
Ford Motor Company is pursuing hydrogen fuel technologies as a way to reduce mobile
and stationary emissions and diversify our nation's energy sources. Ford is the only
automaker actively involved in developing four alternative fuel and powertrain technologies –
gasoline-electric hybrids, clean diesels, hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines and
hydrogen fuel cells.
In addition to the tow tractors, Ford will also produce eight V-10, E-450 shuttle buses
powered by hydrogen internal combustion engines for Florida. The state will operate the
shuttles in the Orlando area, including the Orlando airport, upon delivery in 2006. The
Orlando airport projects will allow for real world operating experience and data gathering.
They also support "H2 Florida," a statewide initiative to grow the hydrogen technology
industry, spur investment and economic opportunity and safeguard the nation's natural
resources.
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich.,
manufacturers and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more
than 324,000 employees worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Aston
Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its
automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Quality Care and Hertz.
Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com
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