Confident in the progress of its next generation hydrogen fuel cell system, General Motors has suggested the technology may be ready for production by 2015.
GM says the new Gen 2 system is around 100kg lighter than those used to power the ‘Project Driveway’ Chevrolet Equinox test vehicles and uses about one-third of the platinum.
It is also made up of fewer components and is about half the size of the Gen 1, meaning that it can be packaged in a similar space to a four-cylinder engine.
GM is also working on hydrogen storage methods, aiming to team two tanks with the Gen 2 system rather than the three that are currently necessary to operate the Equinox’s fuel cell.
The official word from GM on when we are likely to see this technology in showrooms remains a hazy but optimistic “sooner than you think”.
One thing it is clear on is its commitment to the technology, confirming it has no intentions of abandoning fuel cell technologies heading into the future.
I really hope GM and Honda keep up the work on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Tecnology. I just hope that when the Volt gets released they dont loose sight of it. 2015 is only 4 years away now…
I know that the new hydrogen engine is 100kg lighter than the old one in the Equinox, but how heavy is it in relation to a petrol engine, for example the 1.8 in the Cruze?
I think it isn’t the size of the engine that is the problem. It’s who will supply the hydogen and how to supply the hydrogen SAFELY! By safely I mean idiot proof it.
It’s already been worked out, as seen with the Hydrogen refueling stations in California. Different Honda trials are taking place now with regular people and families using 100% hydrogen cars in everyday normal life etc.
Yes your right Rhys, 23 operational with another 14 or so to come on-line later. But they have problems that relate to hydrogen technology. Some use hydogen fuel cells some use hydrogen to burn in ICE (internal combustion engine). Some use compressed hydrogen gas while others use liquidfied hydrogen. Not all stations offer these options.
In California there is only 158 “fleet” vehicles.
i am glad to see hydrogen has not been forgotten amongst all the diesel and hybrid talk. Hydrogeon, has to be the way of the future.
As german BMW just given up hopes on Hydrogen, GM shows the superiority and innovative technology of American companies once again.
quote (Aussie Sheila) GM shows the superiority and innovative technology of American companies once again.
What the hell are you talking about.
They went bankrupt for a reason u know?