Replies to post #274 on Alternative Energy

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Hydrogen isn't the only answer to powertrain puzzle
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060118/SUB/60118034/1011&refcat=%3Cpbs:cate....

Amy Wilson
Automotive News / January 18, 2006 - 4:28 pm

DETROIT -- Gasoline-powered internal combustion engines will be around for at least 50 years, Ford Motor Co.'s top environmental engineer says. But the industry will turn to a wide variety of alternate technologies, including diesels and fuel cells, in the meantime.

"You're going to see everything," said Sue Cischke, Ford vice president of environmental and safety engineering. "There's not just one answer. The question of whether hydrogen will be the answer or not is still one that everybody's debating."

Cischke gave her long-term take on advanced powertrains in an interview after speaking at the Automotive News World Congress.

In her prepared text, Cischke lauded Ford's efforts to recognize and promote female executives. She later said that the October promotion of Anne Stevens to COO of the Americas has been the single most important step in recent years toward building a better culture for women at Ford.

Cischke identified several powertrain technologies that she says will grow in importance and substitute for conventional engines. They include:


• Hybrid powertrains, particularly in small trucks and mid-sized cars.

• Diesel engines, particularly in full-sized trucks, although diesels eventually will gain acceptance in the U.S. car market, starting with large cars and luxury brands. Those are segments that can absorb the higher cost of diesel technology.

• Fuel cells. But it's hard to say when fuel cells will be ready to sell to retail customers, Cischke said. Producing them at an acceptable price and with reliable quality is the hurdle.

• Hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines. These are a logical bridge to hydrogen fuel cells, Cischke said. They can help the industry develop a hydrogen fueling infrastructure.


All the large global automakers are trying to put their own stamp on the next step, she said.

"Everybody is playing in the game," she said. "Everybody's trying to figure it out. … It's going to be a series of different technologies."