Suspend disbelief – this is the Morgan LIFECar, a hydrogen fuel-cell concept that will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.Despite being based around Morgan’s traditional ash frame, the LIFECar is also fitted with a state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell that produces 22kw of power, which is then directed to four electric motors, one at each wheel.Each motor also functions as a generator, storing energy gained from the kinetic energy created by braking force in a similar to the BMW Efficient Dynamics system already on the market. However, Morgan claims that the LIFECar can re-use up to 50 per cent of the energy produced in braking, whereas other systems only ever store up to 10 per cent. Another vital difference is that the Life Car uses this energy to propel the car under acceleration, aiding the hydrogen-powered electric motors. Energy gleaned from braking, and the hydrogen fuel cell, is stored in a bank of 'ultra capacitors'. It's claimed that these are lighter and more efficient than any battery. Morgan is not quoting an official weight for the LIFECar, but it is claiming that the use of a lightweight wooden frame and aluminium bodywork makes it very light.Morgan claims the car can hit 62mph in under 7sec, has a 250 mile range and a top speed of up to 85mph, whilst producing nothing more harmful than heat and water.When asked whether the car would ever go into production, a Morgan spokesman stated that the company is 'waiting to see how the car is received'.We’ll let you know on that one.
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