Ahead of the Curve: 100 People to Test Hydrogen Cars
GM launches a project that will allow N.Y., D.C. drivers to go hydrogen.
Nov. 6, 2007 — -- With gas prices at record levels and concern about global warming on the rise, there is an enormous interest in alternative energy vehicles. To answer the call, General Motors is launching Project Driveway, the world's largest market test of fuel cell vehicles.
The biggest U.S. automaker is handing over 100 fuel-cell-powered Chevrolet Equinoxes to drivers in Washington, D.C., New York and Los Angeles for three months, starting in January.
Drivers can nominate themselves to be testers on the company's Web site. The idea is to give regular drivers a chance to experience the technology, and in turn give GM feedback as the company works to make the cars available on the mass market.
"Our ultimate goal is the electrification of the automobile and this is one step on that path," said GM's Monica Murphy. "Truly electric power with no petroleum usage, no green house gases, no emissions, just water vapor."
The engine is impressive. Under the hood, there are no dip sticks, hoses, transmission fluid or oil to be seen -- just a large silver box.
"A fuel cell has one-tenth of the amount of moving parts as a gasoline engine, so the only maintenance you can do to this vehicle is to put windshield fluid in," Murphy said.
The car has three hydrogen tanks. As you drive, the hydrogen in those tanks combines with air to create energy.
"It's essentially a unit that takes the hydrogen onboard, combines it with the air that's coming into the front of the vehicle and [turns] it into electricity. That electricity then flows to a drive motor, which propels the vehicle," Murphy explained.
The engine also creates some of its own energy each time the driver brakes, and that energy is stored back to the car battery.
The car has instant torque and acceleration. It can reach 100 miles an hour and travel up to 200 miles when fully fueled. It looks the same inside and out as its gas-powered counterpart and has all the same standard safety features. Murphy said the hydrogen tanks don't pose any extra danger.
