Drive the Future

More than 100 years after the invention of the automobile, most mainstream vehicles are still powered by the internal combustion engine. With concerns about global warming, harmful emissions, and scarcity of fossil fuels becoming more alarming, automakers are searching for ways to provide mobility while minimizing fuel consumption and potential damage to the environment.

The Manila International Auto Show, with its theme this year of “Driving the Future”, presents several alternatives to the traditional internal combustion engine. The present is represented by hybrid vehicles, which combine internal combustion and electric propulsion. The electric motor usually provides propulsion in stop-and-go driving, with the gasoline or diesel engine kicking in at higher speeds.

Isuzu is a world leader in diesel engines, and its Philippine subsidiary puts that to good advantage with its all-commercial vehicle lineup. Showcasing the future of commercial vehicles is the Isuzu Elf Hybrid truck. The Elf hybrid expands the possibilities for Isuzu’s diesel technology, and brings it to new levels of efficiency and clean emissions. Isuzu conducted several well-attended symposia on hybrid technology during MIAS 2006.

Another environmentally friendly alternative is ethanol fuel. Ethanol is derived from cellulosic materials such as rice or sugarcane bagasse, corn stover, wheat or barley straw, and quick growing trees such as willow and poplar, switchgrass, and even municipal waste. Ethanol fuel provides slightly less mileage than unleaded, but it’s cheaper and cleaner-burning; running costs per km should reflect significant savings.

In a launch concurrent with MIAS, Ford presented its flexible fuel vehicles. The specially-equipped Ford Focus models are capable of running on E20 (20% ethanol, 80% gasoline). E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) is a fuel for use in all vehicles, no matter the make or model. All US automakers approve up to a 10% blend of ethanol by warranty, and many recommend it because of its cleaner burning, high octane characteristics. The E20-capable Focus takes the next step by allowing a higher proportion of ethanol. Ford has expressed its commitment to this program with the construction of a flexible-fuel engine plant in Sta. Rosa earlier this year.

The Mercedes-Benz F-Cell represents the far future of the automobile. The F-Cell combines its onboard hydrogen fuel with the oxygen in air, silently generating an electric current; the process’ only emission is pure water. The 2 kg of high-pressure hydrogen stored within the F-Cell’s sandwich floor provides a range of about 160 km; the car is derived from the A-Class subcompact.

DaimlerChyrsler and CATS Motors explained and demonstrated the F-Cell in a technology symposium held just before the Auto Show. The F-Cell and its operation were displayed at the MIAS main lobby.

For now, the F-Cell represents the first global fleet of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles—it is not just a concept car. It’s ready to run from day one on Southeast Asia’s hot and humid streets. Another 55 vehicles are testing in other cities. The purpose is to gather feedback from real world testing in all sorts of conditions. They will be pitting their usability against Detroit’s freezing weather and Tokyo’s city traffic.

Developments in technology and infrastructure can occur rapidly. 1994’s NECAR 1 was a large van, and the fuel cell and propulsion system weighed 800 kg and took up all of the cargo area. Barely ten years later, the system fits under the floorboard of the miniscule A-Class. Commercial production is possible within a 10-15 year period.

Just as younger generations have never known a world without the Internet or cellphones, in the future, children will not have known cars that are pollutants. That day may be far in the future, but we caught a glimpse of it at the Manila Auto Show.

By Jason K. Ang | Photos by Jason K. Ang