Quantum has been working on adding hydrogen capability to the Norwegian infrastructure, both through hydrogen stations and converted hydrogen Priuses. In the U.S., Quantum is also working on plug-in hybrids for California's South Coast AQMD. Last week, Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide announced it will now be working on new advanced hybrid powertrains for EDAG and IISI. Who? Glad you asked.

IISI is the International Iron and Steel Institute, which has an automotive group, and EDAG is the Engineering + Design AG. The two are involved in the Future Steel Vehicle program, which hopes to find new, lightweight steel autobody concepts that are designed to work well with new vehicle powertrains, be they plug-in hybrids or hydrogen fuel cell. Quantum's task is develop the powertrains (advanced lithium-ion battery system and controls) with partner Advanced Lithium Power Inc. All of these concepts are meant to show that old-school steel is not dead yet (in fact, I heard it's going for a walk). Don't think the Rocky Mountain Institute will be in favor of that. Details after the jump.

Lately, Quantum Technologies has been getting more attention for their involvement in the Fisker Karma project than any of their other programs. This week the company received an order from the U.S. Army for four more conversions of Ford Escape hybrids to run on hydrogen. The new order expands a test program the Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) has been conducting with seven existing vehicles. The Escapes retain their internal combustion engines but are fueled with compressed hydrogen instead of gasoline. Quantum supplies their compressed hydrogen fuel storage and delivery systems to a number of companies including General Motors. GM uses tanks from Quantum on the fuel cell Equinox for Project Driveway.

[Source: Quantum]

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Porsche will have a hybrid version of their new Panamera coming some time later in 2009 or 2010 but so far from the spy photos most people aren't too excited about the styling. For those in the market for big buck, curvy hybrid, Henrick Fisker is coming to the rescue. We recently saw a sketch of the new Fisker hybrid and now a proper photo has turned up and it looks very promising. Fisker is teaming up with Quantum Technologies to build this car with a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain. We'll be seeing this car in the flesh at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

[Source: CarScoop]