Ford Explorer Gets Fuel-Cell Concept

Ford's newest version of the Explorer doesn't run on gasoline, or even diesel. Instead, the company's most traditional sport-utility vehicle has been implanted with a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain for a concept due at the 2006 L.A. auto show.

The fuel-cell-powered exploreR (spelling theirs), Ford says, will deliver more road-going miles than any fuel-cell vehicle on the road today. The fuel-cell Explorer retains its six-passenger and cargo-carrying capacity, even with the new powertrain that's capable of 350-mile range. The hydrogen tank is fitted in the space normally occupied by the Explorer's six-speed automatic transmission.

Developed under a Department of Energy program to encourage hydrogen infrastructure development, the exploreR, Ford says, has been tested for more than 17,000 miles and has set a new record for miles driven by a fuel-cell vehicle (1556 mi) in 24 hours.

Ford says it will show another fuel-cell vehicle at the Detroit auto show in January.