FCVs have an electric motor that is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. There is no combustion – and water is the only emission that comes out of the tailpipe.

In 2005, Progress Energy began a demonstration project with Ford Motor Company and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection involving six vehicles that use hydrogen as fuel. These specially adapted Ford Focuses were part of the automobile industry’s first hybrid electric hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs) deployed for field testing.

Three of the FCVs were driven by Progress Energy Advisors as they made home visits to counsel customers in energy-efficiency methods. Progress Energy employees logged over 125,000 miles as part of the nationwide demonstration project.

The fuel cell vehicles were also used as educational tools and were showcased at schools, universities, trade shows, and events across Florida. More than 240,000 people viewed this pioneering technology at over 170 events hosted by Progress Energy. The vehicles received widespread media coverage including this feature on CNN.

Powered exclusively by hydrogen produced at a special fueling station located at a Progress Energy facility in Oviedo, the FCV combines the improved efficiency and performance of hybrid technology with the overall benefits of a fuel cell, including zero emissions.