The PSA Peugeot Citroen Quark looks to be a combination motorcycle, car and ATV all wrapped up into one high-tech hydrogen vehicle. When the two-seater was rolled out during the 2004 Paris Motor Show, Quark received much attention for its futuristic design.

PSA Peugeot Citroen Quark

The PSA Peugeot Citroen Quark is a hybrid vehicle in that it mainly runs on electric current from its battery, which is supplemented by power generated by the hydrogen fuel cell (1.5 kw) that was manufactured by Swiss manufacturer MES-DEA. The Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery is actually a series of 40 batteries that generate a cumulative total of 288 volts. The Quark uses a combination of regenerative braking common to hybrids and mechanical braking.

With the Quark, Peugeot has switched air-cooling the fuel cell system rather than the older system that was cooled by water. This allows a more compact design and for the fuel cell to be start in sub-zero temperatures.

The Quark is powered by four electric motors (combined power of 28kW), one for each wheel and has a 9-litre tank that stores the hydrogen at 10,000 psi. The driving range of the Quark is approximately 60 miles before a refuel is needed. Then, its just a matter of swapping out tanks that only takes a minute or so to complete.

Peugeot is focusing on this market segment in order to bring a hydrogen production vehicle to market more quickly than its competitors. The race is on! Will you be ready?

Written by Hydro Kevin Kantola