Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Vehicle test drive

When it’s all said & done: Ready and willing—but not quite able

As I drove this vehicle I reminded myself that this is just the beginning for hydrogen fuel cell personal transportation. I worked hard at keeping a critical eye, but it wasn’t easy. For an existing internal combustion gasoline vehicle that was re-engineered to become a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle, this execution was just short of amazing. The vehicle was comfortable, easy to drive, handled well—really, it was just fun. After spending the day driving the car and attending GM's Electric Drive University, I give it a H+.

However, as with any emerging technology, there are certainly lumps in the gravy—my biggest gripe was the flat top-end torque. Not a hard problem to solve at all. Engineers have fuel cell vehicle technology figured out—it just needs some final polishing and buffing. The real stumbling block in the whole hydrogen transportation scenario will be building the hydrogen distribution infrastructure—making it feasible to travel cross-country. That’s going to take a lot of political will as well as support and partnership among governments, automobile manufacturers, public and private industry—and most importantly, a willingness of the people to embrace it.

I think it’ll happen, and I can’t wait!

Pros:

• No petroleum fuel required
• Super-quiet—no engine noise
• Absolutely zero emissions

Cons:

• Limited driving range
• Limited hydrogen refueling availability
• Sluggish top-end acceleration

Page One: Initial Impressions, Look & Feel and Enviro-meter