SHELL has teamed up with Ford and Daimler-Benz to help with the development of the ultimate clean source of power - hydrogen fuel cells. The Anglo-Dutch oil group joins a partnership between Daimler-Benz, Ford and Ballard Power Systems, which aims to become the world's leading producer of fuel-cell powered electric drivetrains and components for cars and vans by using hydrogen technology.

Shell hopes to use its advancements in converting petrol from the pump into hydrogen (via catalytic partial oxidation technology), to create the world's most practical environmentally-friendly car with no loss in engine performance. Earlier this month Britain's first hydrogen-powered car took to the roads of London using a fuel cell developed by Zevco but run on hydrogen gas in its pure form rather than converting it from liquid fuel.

Dr Chris Fay, chairman and chief executive of Shell UK, said: 'We believe that hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars are likely to make a major entrance into the vehicle market throughout Europe and the US by 2005. We are convinced that hydrogen, like liquefied petroleum gas, represents one of the fuels of tomorrow.'