GM Fuel Cell Vehicle Reaches 300-MIle Mark on One Tank of Hydrogen
General Motors announced yesterday that its Chevy Sequel became the first electrically driven fuel cell vehicle to achieve 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, "in and our of traffic on public roads, while producing zero emissions." This accomplishment brings commercialization of fuel cell vehicles one step closer, the company said.
"With this drive, General Motors has reached another important milestone toward the commercialization of our fuel cell vehicles by achieving the range expected by today's consumers," said Larry Burns, GM's vice president of R&D and strategic planning. "And we did it while producing zero emissions, as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle only emits water. In addition, the hydrogen produced at Niagara Falls, used to fuel Sequel, was derived from hydropower, a clean, renewable resource. This means the entire process, from creation of the hydrogen to the use of the fuel in the vehicle, was virtually carbon dioxide free."
The 300-mile drive took place in New York State, starting at GM's Fuel Cell Activity Center in Honeoye Falls and ending in Tarrytown. GM touts the Sequel as the world's first vehicle to integrate a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system with advanced technologies such as steer- and brake-by-wire controls, lithium ion batteries, and lightweight aluminum structure.