General Motors Advances Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

Strategic Insights -

The General Motors Co. has announced significant advancements in its second-generation hydrogen fuel cell system, which is now half the size and 220 pounds lighter than its current counterpart in the Chevrolet Fuel Cell electric vehicle. This development addresses one of the major hindrances to making the fuel cell unit viable. The production-intent fuel cell power train can be packaged under the hood in a space comparable to a four-cylinder engine. GM's fifth-generation fuel cell stack is expected to be commercialized by 2015.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new fuel cell system is 220 pounds lighter than its predecessor, addressing a significant weight-related issue.
  • The production-intent fuel cell power train can be packaged under the hood in a space similar to a four-cylinder engine.
  • GM's fifth-generation fuel cell stack is expected to be commercialized by 2015.
  • The Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell electric vehicles have passed 1 million miles of gasoline and tailpipe pollution-free driving in real-world conditions.
  • Over 50,000 gallons of gasoline have been saved by using the fuel cell Equinox in the Project Driveway consumer testing program.
  • The fuel cell Equinox carries 4.2 kilograms of compressed hydrogen on board and requires a 5-to-7 minute refill every 168 miles.
  • Regenerative braking extends the driving range by sending energy created in stopping back to the vehicle battery.
  • Project Driveway has involved 80,000 people in test drives and has demonstrated the feasibility of hydrogen-powered vehicles as normal transportation.

Statistics:

  • 220 pounds: The weight reduction of the new fuel cell system compared to its previous version.
  • 1 million miles: The cumulative distance traveled by the Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell electric vehicles in real-world conditions without gasoline or tailpipe pollution.
  • 50,000 gallons: The amount of gasoline saved by using the fuel cell Equinox in Project Driveway.
  • 168 miles: The driving range of the fuel cell Equinox before a 5-to-7 minute refill is required.
  • 4.2 kilograms: The amount of compressed hydrogen carried on board by the fuel cell Equinox.

Sources:

  • "We can develop a marketable technology by about 2015 and achieve widespread commercial availability by the year 2015." - U.S. Department of Transportation undersecretary.
  • "The last we heard, GM was predicting saleable models would be ready for sale by 2010." - Saturday, March 20, 2004 column.
  • "Commercialized means for sale in your favorite dealership in 2015" - General Motors report.