Clean fuel-cell cars powered by hydrogen could be a reality 30 years ahead of the Government's previous estimates, according to a new report commissioned by the Department for Transport.

The report, delivered today to the DFT by engine technology specialist Ricardo, suggests fuel-cell cars could be on sale by 2020 for between £18,100 and £21,300 –“so long as the political will is behind them.”

In April, Transport Minister David Jamieson said the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle would not be practical before 2050.

And Ricardo says internal combustion engines running on hydrogen could be available as early as 2007. BMW has pledged to introduce a hydrogen powered version of its 7 Series by the end of the decade.