(autoinsidernews) вЂ" Ford today unveiled the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive вЂ" the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric plug-in. The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive combines an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator with lithium-ion batteries. The HySeries Drive powertrain in use in the Edge is the real-world version of the powerplant that was featured in the Ford Airstream Concept unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
This vehicle offers Ford the ultimate in flexibility in researching advanced propulsion technology, said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president of research and advanced engineering for Ford Motor Company. We could take the fuel cell power system out and replace it with a down-sized diesel, gasoline engine or any other powertrain connected to a small electric generator to make electricity like the fuel cell does now.
The HySeries Drive plug-in hybrid is powered by a 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack at all times, which can be charged by the hydrogen fuel cell or with the on-board charger that can be connected to a standard home outlet, reports Trend.
The vehicle can travel the first 25 miles each day on stored electricity alone, after that the fuel cell begins operating to charge the battery pack. The hydrogen fuel cell provides another 200 miles of range, which gives the vehicle a total range of 225 miles with zero emissions.