Fusion 999 Sets Record in Land Speed Challenge

Ford car buffs were, in all probability, one in cheering the incredibly fast and very innovative Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 at the land speed record challenge that took place from August 10 to 17. The much anticipated speed contest was successfully accomplished at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 was a noteworthy part of this momentous competition as it made a record of 207.297 mph.

This amazing racecar is Ford’s first “production-based hydrogen fuel-cell racecar” to join such contest.  Designed by a reliable team of Ford vehicle experts, Fusion Hydrogen 999 is definitely a vehicle with superior qualities.  The body was built by Roush Performance Products, and the 400-kilowatt fuel cells were made by Ballard Power Systems in Canada. It is propelled by a custom Ford-designed 350 kW fuel cell system, encompassing 16 Ballard Mk902 fuel cell rows. An inverter, to which a DC fuel cell current is supplied, switches the current to AC, and powers the 770 hp induction motor. Moreover, its power plant was designed by Ford engineers, making minor adjustments to the electric motor that propelled the record-holding Buckeye Bullet streamline racer of Ohio State University.

According to Ford Vice-President for Research and Advanced Engineering Gerhard Schmidt, this project was carried out in order to take fuel-cell-powered vehicles forward and to endeavor on something new.  Certainly, Ford was able to accomplish these two objectives.

Although Ford Fusion 999 failed at some point during the week-long race, like when it did not start during one of the test runs, it did an impressive overall performance during the week-long challenge.  Kudos to Ford’s team and its efforts to promote alternative vehicle power sources!