General Motors and Honda Motor are also in hot pursuit. The fuel cells are stacked underneath the car's floorboard, while the liquid hydrogen tank takes up part of the small trunk. That leaves enough room to seat five passengers. At 1,100 pounds, the car weighs more than a typical compact gasoline-powered car because of the fuel cell technology. The company plans to develop much lighter versions.
Methanol contains hydrogen and is the auto industry's favored fuel to power fuel cells.
But methanol-fueled cars would require a national network of methanol pumping stations that do not now exist. ABC News Internet Ventures. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. Please click here for legal restrictions and terms of use applicable to this site.