Hydrogen Speed Record Attempt

Hydrogen is clean. But is it fast? Ford intends to prove the connection through a new land speed record attempt for production-based fuel cell vehicles. The automaker's Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 is being fielded through a collaboration with Ballard, Rousch, and Ohio State University for a run during Bonneville Speed Week in August . A second hydrogen fuel cell car - called the Buckeye Bullet 2 - is also being prepared for a record run by Ohio State University student engineers in the unlimited class.

 

Ford engineers designed the Fusion Hydrogen 999 while Michigan-based Rousch handled fabrication and assembly. Design of the 770 hp electric motor is the job of Ohio State students. Ballard is supplying the hydrogen fuel cells. Veteran Bonneville racer and former Ford employee Rick Byrnes will pilot the Fusion Hydrogen 999 car on its record attempt.

 

The unlimited class Buckeye Bullet 2, built from the ground-up with assistance from Ballard, Rousch, and Ford, has some pretty big shoes to fill. Just three years ago, Ohio State students set the unlimited land speed record for an electric vehicle by running 315 mph in BB1, the first Buckeye Bullet.