Ford V-10 Hydrogen Engine Powers Shuttle

Ford has become the first automaker to begin production of dedicated hydrogen-fueled powerplants. The automaker’s supercharged, hydrogen-fueled 6.8-liter V-10 engine is based on the same modular engine series that powers many Ford products, but is specially prepared to burn hydrogen as a fuel. Among the changes are valves and valve seats made of special hardened materials that compensate for hydrogen’s reduced lubricating properties compared to gasoline or natural gas. Special high energy coil-on-plug ignition coils are used to manage the unique ignition characteristics of hydrogen, and fuel injectors designed specifically for hydrogen and high volume fuel rails replace the stock equipment. Additionally, new piston, connecting rod, piston ring, and head gasket designs were needed to accommodate the higher combustion pressure of hydrogen fuel.

Perhaps the biggest change is the addition of a twin screw supercharger and intercooler to make up for some of the reduced power output provided by hydrogen combustion. Even with the supercharger, the hydrogen-fueled V-10 produces 235 horsepower and 310 lbs-ft of torque, notably less than the 305 horsepower and 420 lbs-ft of torque produced by the gasoline-fueled variant of the same engine. Of course, the major advantage over the gasoline engine is the reduction of regulated pollutants and C02 emissions to near-zero levels.

The supercharged 6.8-liter V-10 engine will power Ford's E-450 hydrogen fueled shuttle buses. The buses are in service with select fleet customers beginning in Florida and then in other locations across North America. While these vehicles are providing real-world experience, Ford will be conducting research into next generation hydrogen internal combustion engines, including features such as direct injection and hybridization to enhance power and fuel economy.