Ford Motor Co is putting two hydrogen-fueled Ford E-450 buses to Las Vegas city's fleet, enabling it to be the first city in the western United States to operate ultra clean non-polluting vehicles.

Mayor Oscar B Goodman will mark the occasion at the West Vehicle Service Center, the city's station that provides fuel for all vehicles powered by internal combustion engines that are fueled exclusively with hydrogen.

"These buses represent part of Ford Motor Company's strategy to deliver transportation solutions that emit less CO₂ and reduce our dependence on oil," said Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president, in charge of the company's sustainability, environment and safety engineering. "We are pleased to partner with the city of Las Vegas to place these buses into service so that Las Vegas residents and all its visitors will be able to experience this unique form of clean transportation."

"These new buses are another example of the city's continuing commitment to using innovative alternative fuels," Mayor Goodman said. "The city will continue to be a leader when it comes to finding new ways to be environmentally friendly through conservation and cutting edge technology."

Sen. Harry Reid helped to secure the federal grant allowing the city to lease the energy-saving buses.

"These buses will be great for Nevada for two reasons," Sen. Reid said. "First, they will encourage people to use public transportation downtown. Second, they rely on clean energy that won't pollute our air. I am proud to see the city of Las Vegas taking even more steps to reduce Nevada's reliance on oil."

A 6.8 litre V-10 engine that has been supercharged and modified to run exclusively on hydrogen fuel provides power for the Ford E-450 shuttle buses. The first vehicles for the US were delivered last May to the Greater Orlando Airport Authority (GOAA) and the Orlando Convention Central District.

Ford delivered five buses to Canada, three in Ottawa and two in Vancouver in late 2006. In all, Ford will deliver 30 buses to customers across North America by year's end.

Hydrogen internal combustion engine technology
Ford believes hydrogen internal combustion engine technology can serve as a bridge to enabling hydrogen to become a viable alternative fuel. Hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines have many advantages, including high efficiency, all-weather capability, and near zero emissions of regulated pollutants and greenhouse gases (CO₂). They also can be hybridised for further gains in fuel efficiency.

While these hydrogen internal combustion engine shuttle buses will provide valuable real-world experience, Ford also is conducting research into next generation hydrogen internal combustion engines, including features such as direct injection to enhance power and fuel economy.

Hydrogen: Part of a broader effort
Ford's strategy for alternative fuels is built around multiple technologies, including hydrogen internal combustion engines. This flexible approach allows the company to meet goals for customer needs, environmental impact and shareholder interests. The strategy does not focus on one catch-all solution, but offers a flexible array of options, including hybrids, E85 ethanol, clean diesels, bio-diesels, advanced engine and transmission technologies and hydrogen fuel cells.

The company already has a fleet of 30 hydrogen powered Focus fuel cell vehicles on the road as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real world testing of fuel cell technology. The 30-car fleet has accumulated more than 575,000 miles since its inception in 2005.

Ford also is conducting tests with the world's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive. The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive uses a series electric drivetrain with an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator to give the vehicle a range of 225 miles with zero emissions.

Currently, Ford offers gasoline-electric hybrids including the Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The company will also offer hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan in 2008.