Focus FCV, a new zero-emissions version of its Ford Focus has been introduced by Ford Motors.

The Focus FCV is powered by a combination of hybrid electric technology and a hydrogen fuel cell. The production of this model is expected to begin in 2004.

Fuel cell cars run on energy produced in a chemical reaction combining hydrogen and oxygen, dramatically reducing air pollution.

Hybrid cars, like the Focus FCV, use a combination of electric power and fuel cells. Other hybrid cars in the works, including a version of the Ford Escape due out in 2003, use electrical power to boost the mileage of a gasoline-powered engine.

The prototype of Ford's new vehicle includes a 300-volt Sanyo battery pack and a brake-by-wire electrohydraulic series regenerative braking system, and feature an advanced hydrogen storage tank that can handle 5,000 pounds per square inch of hydrogen.

The vehicle's fuel cell, a Ballard Mark 902 Fuel Cell System, is an energy conversion device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy using hydrogen and oxygen. Heat and water are the only byproducts.

A total of five Focus FCVs are expected to be produced this year for testing and demonstration, in preparation for the start of production in 2004.