A total of 20 hydrogen fuel-cell cars are expected to provide zero-emission transportation services for the Beijing Olympic Games after the manufacturer Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Company, a Sino-German joint venture automaker, delivered the vehicles early July.

Earlier, Shanghai Volkswagen had already delivered five cars to Beijing after these vehicles undergone strict tests in safety, reliability and durability.

The engines for these vehicles were jointly designed and developed by prestigious Tongji University, Shanghai Automobile Industry Corporation (Group) and Shanghai Fuel Cell Vehicle Powerstrain Co., Ltd.

The 20 sedans would be used to provide transportation services for some VIPs, officials and media people. They were a major part of a nearly-500-strong "Green motorcade" which will provide zero-emission services at key venues of the Games.

These cars are able to run at a maximum speed of nearly 150 kilometers per hour and have an estimated 300 kilometers driving range on one time hydrogen refuelling, according to Tongji University.

The university has said that several members of the research and development team will provide technical support at the site to ensure smooth operation of these vehicles during the Olympic Games.