The four-million-dollar “production prototype” Ford Focus FCV (for Fuel Cell Vehicle) I drove is a one-of-a-kind vehicle very close in appearance and mechanics to the fuel-cell-powered Focus that is slated for production in about three years. Yes, three years. Not 25, not even ten. Three measly little years.
My drive in the Focus FCV was nearly thwarted. When I met with product analyst Ron Gilland, one of the key people on the project, he informed me that they were awaiting fuel delivery. The Focus FCV is fueled with gaseous hydrogen and, since there aren’t hydrogen fueling stations on every corner yet, actually obtaining the fuel is the most difficult part of the process currently. (The refueling process itself takes about 14 seconds.)
While we waited, I talked with Ron about some of the details. With a nearly identical steel body as the current Focus sedan, the Focus FCV is about 1,000 pounds heavier due to the extra weight of the fuel cell components. While still accommodating four adults like today’s Focus, the Focus FCV’s two front seats have been raised to house the fuel cell stack module. Trunk space is also reduced by about two-thirds to make room for the carbon-fiber-wrapped aluminum hydrogen storage tanks. For the most part, these changes are unnoticeable and Ford does not see them as major detractors for early production vehicles. (Initially, the Focus FCV will be produced for fleet use, driven by people for work purposes, so they won’t need the additional trunk space, but still need the flexibility to carry four people.)
With the arrival of the missing hydrogen, I was ready to begin my driving experience. Out of sheer reflex, I reach to turn the key. Nothing happens.
Ron directs me to listen for the click of the air compressor turning on. It is odd that there is no starter noise. No sound of the engine turning over. I watch the gauge on the dash as its needle slowly rises, indicating we now have enough pressure to drive. A short time, perhaps ten seconds, has passed before I can put the car in gear. I gently depress the accelerator pedal and we begin to move forward. The quietness of the engine, combined with a low hum, is disconcerting. Where are the “normal” engine sounds? The sounds of rods and pistons doing their jumping jacks; the throaty exhaust note I love?
The process of driving itself distracts me. There is unusual feedback in the brake pedal that I’m not used to. It feels as if I’m driving a vehicle with an early anti-lock brake system that is kicking in. I question Ron, fearing his four-million-dollar baby will break while I’m at the wheel. He assures me everything is normal. Before I merge into traffic, I wait for a sizeable gap, not sure how the car will perform with the added weight from the fuel cells and associated components. The engine offers about 10 horsepower less than the base four-cylinder engine in today’s Focus, so with the extra weight, I expect to see a big decrease in power, but I don’t.
We are accelerating nicely up to about 40 mph and I am impressed with the amount of torque for such a tiny engine in a relatively heavy car. I feel uneasy, wonder why and then realize I am waiting for the engine to shift. I question Ron again and he explains that the single speed transaxle has a gear ratio of 10:1—engineer-speak that means the car doesn’t shift. One gear does all the work regardless of speed and even in reverse.
By the second turn of our city-block loop, I’m getting used to the Focus FCV’s quirks and the lack of engine noises and feedback in the brake pedal don’t feel so odd. At our last turn, I hurriedly ask Ron if we can take one more spin. He nods and I continue past the parking lot entrance for another loop around the block. This time I drive a bit more aggressively and feel comfortable about pulling out into normally spaced traffic. Halfway around the block, I decide to see what happens when I step on the accelerator harder—as if I’m entering a highway. The Focus FCV responds well, although I keep listening for the sound of shifting gears and, when they don’t, I find it a bit odd.
I round the next corner, thinking that the future looks promising. This is a practical car of decent size and despite its idiosyncrasies; I could drive this, as is, as a commuter car and be satisfied. With the improvements planned for the production version—less brake pedal feedback, improved performance due to the use of some aluminum body panels and increased trunk space, I’d be even happier. Darn good thing, too, because three years isn’t that far away.
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Author: RichardRosenabzy
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