Azure Dynamics doesn't make the world's flashiest hybrids, but the company's Balance Hybrid Electric system built into Ford E450 chassis are regularly sold to utilities and other fleet operators. The latest order, for three such vehicles, comes from Con Edison of New York. According to Azure, the gasoline-electric hybrids boost fuel economy by up to 40 percent compared to non-hybrid versions of these large trucks. They also emit up to 30 percent less carbon (in city conditions). As we well know, hybrids shine in urban use because of the constant starts and stops, and these trucks can also run on battery power at speeds of up to 20 mph. Thanks to the regenerative brakes, the Balance system reduces brake maintenance by up to 75 percent, Azure says.

[Source: Azure Dynamics Corporation]

At the Detroit Metro airport today, Ford - along with U.S. Congressman John Dingell - are announcing the delivery of two of Ford's hydrogen-powered H2ICE buses. The special E-450 shuttles burn hydrogen in an internal combustion engine and are already in use in places like Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada. Ford has built 30 H2ICE buses and 23 have now been delivered. Ford claims these shuttles offer CO₂ emissions reduction of 99.7 percent (compared to a gasoline-fueled E-450, I'm guessing).

Dingell helped get Ford, the Wayne County Airport Authority and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) a grant from the DOE for the vehicles. Where will these shuttles get their hydrogen? From a pump in Taylor, MI, the town that borders the airport on the east. We'll keep our eye out for these shuttles when we travel to the New York Auto Show tomorrow. Read more from Ford after the jump.

Ford's advanced hydrogen internal combustion engine (HICE) powered shuttle bus program delivered three vehicles in early December to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada to begin an important pilot program. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. are providing the hydrogen fuel injectors used in the HICE E450s which will be included in the Senate shuttle bus fleet for evaluation.

The hydrogen buses will replace existing gasoline-powered shuttle buses and, in doing so, will reduce engine-related emissions to near-zero levels. These units form a pre-commercial evaluation of Ford's HICE technology under real-world conditions that will help Ford assess the viability of commercially offering vehicles equipped with hydrogen internal combustion engines.

Quantum says its patented gaseous fuel injector was designed for outstanding durability while providing high flow rates in gaseous fuel applications and are designed to work with natural gas, propane and hydrogen in internal combustion engines and fuel cell applications.

Analysis: For a company like Ford to bring a hydrogen vehicle to market, their vast network of parts suppliers and OEMs have to be on board as well. Something as simple as a fuel injector really has to be redesigned when you move from petrol or diesel to hydrogen to get the best performance so its great to see suppliers like Quantum and others putting their own R&D dollars towards important components for the coming hydrogen economy.

Related:

• Team Fate beefing up a GM Equinox with li-ions for Challenge X
• Ford sending E85-capable Ford Escape Hybrids out for testing
• Volkswagen betting each way on powertrain technologies

[Source: Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide]