Oxford University has been involved in the completion of a “zero-emissions” sports car.
The car, which has a top speed of nearly 100mph, is set to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show. It is hydrogen powered and produces little noise and only water from its exhaust.
The light-weight hydrogen fuel cells which power the car were developed by UK firm Qinetiq. The project to build the “Life car” was in part funded by the UK government, has cost £1.9m and has taken nearly three years. It has a range of about 250 miles (400km) and has a top speed of around 90mph (145km/h).
However, some critics have pointed out that there are a number of difficulties with hydrogen–powered cars. Producing hydrogen by splitting water uses a large amount of electricity, thus the environmental benefits are not immediately obvious. Also there is little infrastructure for refuelling at present.
As well as Oxford University, a number of other businesses and universities have been involved in the project. Other collaborators on the project were RiverSimple, Cranfield University and Linde AG. The car will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland between 6 and 16 March.
Zero-emissions sports car developed
