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NEWS
GM fuel cell vehicles notch up milestone
Chevy Equinox fleet passes three million cumulative miles – and no nasty emissionsThe test fleet bean counters at GM are celebrating big time. Their Chevrolet Equinox fleet powered by fuel cell technology has posted a three-million mile operating record.
That's nearly five million (4.8 million) kilometres. According to GM one or two of the vehicles have travelled more than 120,000 miles (193,000km). There's nothing unusual in that for a conventional vehicle, but these SUVs are electric vehicles with an on-board electrical generator in the form of a fuel cell stack, drawing on stored hydrogen in a process to provide an electrical charge with practically no exhaust other than water.
Best estimates from the manufacturer indicate the Equinox fleet has saved the burning of 157,894 US gallons of fossil fuel (petrol), which converts to about 598,000 litres. GM launched the Equinox fuel cell test program back in 2007. Over 5000 drivers have taken part in the program in the years since.
"Hydrogen fuel cell technology is an important part of GM's advanced propulsion portfolio and we continue to make substantial progress in furthering this technology," said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM's global fuel cell engineering activities.
"These vehicles have operated through seven full winters and a wide range of environmental conditions, proving that fuel cells can meet the demands of real-world drivers," concluded Freese, as quoted in a press release.
GM has hooked up with Honda to develop the next generation of fuel cell and hydrogen storage systems for a commercialised roll-out next decade. The technology is already well established, but it's expensive while the rest of the world is still working with automotive technology based around petroleum. GM (and plenty of other car companies as well), is committed to establishing infrastructure to support a future hydrogen economy, which would provide cheap and clean power without the lurking fear of peak oil – while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Written byCarsales Staff
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