Ford's Plug-in Electric Hydrogen Hybrid Edge

We knew they had it. Perhaps it was a slip of the PR tongue at the Detroit auto show, but Ford said there was a Ford Edge SUV with a working version of the plug-in hydrogen hybrid powertrain shown in the radical Airstream Concept. Here it is.

Set to debut at this weekend’s Washington, D.C., Auto Show, the Edge hybrid has a hydrogen fuel cell that recharges a lithium ion battery pack, which is then used to power the electric motor. Speed tops out at 85 mph but the range is equivalent to 85 mpg if the car travels less than 50 miles per day between charging stops at home. Like the Chevrolet Volt concept we saw in Detroit, the Edge can plug into any regular electric outlet. 

Unlike the Volt, it does use an expensive — million dollar — hydrogen fuel cell instead of a small gasoline powered generator. Ford says it can easily swap out the fuel cell for a gas or diesel generator set-up as well, but either way the battery technology still isn’t up to speed for full production.

The hybrid’s range is over 225 miles and once the batteries are depleted the fuel cell delivers roughly 41 mpg if that entire range is driven.

We’ve tested recent hydrogen and electric experimental vehicles from other manufacturers and they often drive like you’d expect, with a definite underpowered feel. Even when Ford or Chevrolet do develop the right battery technology they’ll still have to deliver more pleasing electric motors for drivers.

Related:
2007 Detroit Auto Show: Ford Airstream Concept
2007 Detroit Auto Show: Chevrolet Volt Plug-in Hybrid Concept