Hydrogen Power Hits the Pavement - Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Vehicle

American-made hydrogen power has hit the road with the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicle. It sure looks and feels like a regular Equinox, but instead of a gasoline engine propelling the car, it employs a fuel cell that converts hydrogen gas into electricity that powers an electric drive motor under the hood. Way cool - but the best part? The exhaust is pure water vapor. As a participant in Chevrolet's Electric Drive University, Scott recently had the opportunity to spend a day driving the Equinox and attending various classes covering topics from "Principles of Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure" to "Hydrogen Safety Lab." Sounds heavy duty, huh? He was lovin' it though, and was extremely impressed with this vehicle and GM's commitment to Electric Drive and their execution of the entire development of the fuel cell stack.

Another big plus is GM's effort to further spread the word and educate the general public at large about hydrogen power and electric Fuel Cell propulsion through "Project Driveway." A variety of regular family drivers from Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C. will have use of the vehicles for three months, and drivers will provide regular feedback about their driving experience and how the Fuel Cell Equinox fits their daily life. Check out Chevrolet's requirements to participate and apply online. General Motors plans to apply what it learns to continue development of the GM E-flex electric drive systems--the Chevrolet Volt is an example. They are committed to getting the hydrogen infrastructure built. Scott has a tremendous amount of information to share with you--so stay tuned for lots of exciting photos and his first-hand driving experience of the Equinox.

Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicle - photo © Scott Gable