Plug in Hybrid Ford Airstream

Ford is set to show off the concept Airstream, a plug-in hybrid run on all electric power coupled with a fuel cell power source. It would be (if it ever made it to production) a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) made to run even in low temperatures, a problem most fuel cell vehicles seem to struggle with.

Airstream and Ford have come together to build the futuristic looking (as they put it, fuselage inspired form) with reflective paint and rivets. (From the press release:)

The interior features a floating instrument panel with flush-mounted, touch-sensitive controls and a multi-function single gauge display provides the driver all primary information.

A Sharp® dual-view screen centrally mounted on the instrument panel provides a camera view and secondary driver-oriented information, while allowing the front-seat passenger to view DVDs and post mobile blogs. The driver and front-seat passenger will navigate in style in modern, pod-shaped swiveling captain’s chairs that also rotate so they can easily socialize.

In the rear, lounge-like seating is sculptural, creating a continuous cocoon-like environment wrapped in bold red B Italia fabric. The focal point of the rear seating area is a 360-degree screen for entertainment and games. The unique screen also creates ambient mood settings, including a modern lava lamp and virtual fire, as well as a live camera feed.

The hybrid system has been labeled HySeries, indicating this is a series hybrid. Instead of matching with a gas engine, however, Ford has connected the electric motor with a fuel cell power source, that can also plug-in. Everything feeds power into the lithium-ion batteries, which power the electric motor. The fuel cell recharges the battery after 25 miles, giving the car a range of 305 miles before refueling is necessary.

Specs:
Ford Airstream Concept Specifications

Powertrain

Ford’s HySeries Drive plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel cell

Chassis lengths

Overall length: .......................185.0 in.

Wheelbase: .............................125.9 in.

Overall width: ..........................78.9 in.

Overall height at curb: ..............70.6 in.

Track width

Front: .......................................67.6 in.

Rear: ........................................69.2 in.

Suspension

Front: ................. Double wishbone-independent suspension

Rear: ..................Multi-link independent

Headroom

Front: .......................................37.5 in.

Second Row: ............................36.2 in.

Legroom

Front: .......................................39.6 in.

Second Row: ............................33.1 in.

Ford Press Release served as the source for most of the details.