2006 L.A. Auto Show: Ford Explorer Fuel Cell

Ford is debuting what looks like a standard Explorer SUV in L.A. this week, but it actually packs a hydrogen powertrain; a tank of the alternative fuel can take the Explorer 350 miles on a single fill-up.

The fuel cell prototype is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy in order to show a viable alternative to petroleum. We’d have to assume the government wouldn’t want to invest in any hydrogen infrastructure without seeing some real working samples on the road.

The fuel cell Explorer has been tested over more than 17,000 miles, and traveled 1,556 miles in a 24-hour period. Ford will also launch its next-generation Escape and Escape Hybrid compact SUVs tonight at midnight. Check back here for more.

Cars.com 2006 L.A. Auto Show Coverage