Chevy Sequel Drives Into History Books
First hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to go 300 miles without refueling is a success.
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., May 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General Motors Corp. made history today as its Chevy Sequel - the world's most technologically advanced automobile - became the first electrically-driven fuel cell vehicle to achieve 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, in and out of traffic on public roads, while producing zero emissions.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070515/NYTU198 )

"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 vice president, research & development 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 that the entire process - from the creation of the hydrogen to the use of the fuel in the vehicle -- was virtually carbon dioxide free."

Sequel was introduced in 2005 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and the first drivable version appeared last fall. It is the first vehicle in the world to successfully integrate a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system with a broad menu of advanced technologies, such as steer- and brake-by-wire controls, wheel hub motors, lithium-ion batteries and a lightweight aluminum structure. It uses clean, renewable hydrogen as a fuel and emits only water vapor. Now it is the first fuel cell vehicle to achieve real-world range.

"General Motors is proving that advanced technology can remove the automobile from the environmental debate and reduce our dependence on petroleum," Burns said. "Chevy Sequel clearly shows that our vision for the future of the automobile is real and sustainable."

The 300-mile drive through the state of New York began at General Motors' Fuel Cell Activity Center in Honeoye Falls, where the engineers who developed the company's fuel cell technology officially sent the Sequel off into the history books. "It is our fuel cell teams' tremendous record of success and absolute dedication to this tremendously important cause," Burns said, "which will ultimately enable our country, and our world, to diversify our energy sources and displace large amounts of petroleum."

The Sequel achieved the 300-mile mark and crossed the finish line in Tarrytown - a fitting location, as General Motors reiterated its commitment to bringing part of its next fleet of over 100 Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicles under the "Project Driveway" demonstration program to the greater NY metropolitan area this fall.


Pretty neat. I'm not sure what the previous record was, but 300 miles before a refill seems like it's getting close to where it needs to be (400?).

 

Awesome...I can't wait to get away from gas and oil.

 

Newspaper in 2148
"Ice age sets in, cars makers urged to make gas cars to slow freezing"

 

I'd agree 400 needs to be more of a goal, but congrats to GM.

Big unaswered question.... how big is one tank... and how many.... ummm, miles per gallon??? is this thing actually getting?

Also, what kind of power is it putting out?

 

Agreed. I'm sure this technology has a long way to go though.

 

Looks like a Prius. At least do something about the looks.

 

You know. First it was spray cans and R12... now its all carbon dioxide focused. I am sorry if I do not jump around in joy.. but simply put.. So if all cars don't make carbon dioxide whoop-de-do.. So whats next..."OMG CO2 levels keep increaseing.. we have to start killing people now." Because your face along with every other living thing's face (except some forms of plant life (can't say all because some use O2 instead of Co2)), Breaths out C02... Now... with the population of this world crowing at an exponential rate at some point Akk this about car Co2 is going to be useless because people themselves will have cut down more trees. depleting the O2 manufacturing, Along with over population and we will ALL be having problems of several natures by then. This car thing is just a band aide to the real problem. It's called to many people on a planet.

 

Word. They should just start not allowing dumb people to reproduce.

 

Nice job. I can't even get 300 mi for $75 worth and god know how much CO2 I'm dumping.