Mitsubishi Motors Builds Fuel-Cell Vehicle

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announces the development of the MITSUBISHI FCV fuel-cell vehicle, a Mitsubishi Grandis minivan powered by DaimlerChrysler’s FC-System. MMC applied for Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport vehicle type certification in order to participate in the Japan Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Demonstration Project (JHFC Project) funded by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Exploiting the benefits of its alliance with DaimlerChrysler to maximum advantage, MMC decided to use DaimlerChrysler’s very latest fuel-cell system, which employs Ballard Power System’s fuel cell stack and power module, to power the MITSUBISHI FCV.

Participation in the JHFC Project will enable MMC to subject the MITSUBISHI FCV to verification testing under actual driving conditions on public roads, using hydrogen refueling stations that supply hydrogen produced in a number of different ways. Enabling the company to add primary data about on-road vehicle and environmental performance and safety to its FCV technology stockpile, the testing marks the first step towards the application of this technology in a Mitsubishi production vehicle.

MMC chose the Grandis, its recently launched stylish minivan, as the global market for minivans continues to grow in both size and importance. The selection of its newest main model, which will be launched in Europe and other overseas markets in 2004, also demonstrates the company’s commitment to building environmentally friendly cars capable of carrying more passengers than small cars to further reduce pollution.

The JHFC Project aims to bring fuel cell technology to commercialization by fostering close cooperation between vehicle manufacturers, energy supply companies and government agencies to test fuel-cell vehicles together with the required hydrogen fueling infrastructure under normal operating conditions.