National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), of Tainan, Taiwan has today rolled out the country’s first hydrogen fuel cell hybrid car. At present the car is without a name.
According to CNA.com, “This new hybrid power system, combined with Li-ion battery and fuel cell, can drive the 7.5 kW light vehicle to the range of 150 kM at the speed of 50 kM/hr with the hydrogen consumption of four high pressure bottles at 200 bars, according to Wei-Hsiang Lai, a professor of aeronautics and astronautics from NCKU.
“The new vehicle has signified the achievement of collaborative efforts made by NCKU and Wei-Chi High-Tech Co., Ltd., Lai said.”
One of the key features that separates this vehicle from other fuel cell cars is that it carries 4 hydrogen tanks which are swappable when depleted. This makes is somewhat similar to another Taiwain fuel cell vehicle, the APFCT scooter, also with swappable tanks that I’ve talked about before.
So, as California, United Kingdom, Germany, China, South Korea and Japan continue to get press about their progress with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, let’s keep an eye on Taiwan, too, to see what this tiny island country has in store for us.
Wow, what great innovation this is. Big ups, Taiwan!