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GM’s zero-emission
test programme
(27/11/2008)
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The goal of achieving sustainable
mobility with zero emissions came a step closer today when GM announced
the European part of its biggest ever test programme for fuel cell
vehicles.
Nine companies will be the first to
operate GM’s HydroGen4 zero-emission vehicles in the Berlin area as they
go about their day-to-day business: ADAC, Allianz, Coca Cola, Hilton,
Linde, Schindler, Axel Springer, Total and Veolia. This real-world road
test will run under the umbrella of the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP),
a German Federal Department for Transport, Building and Urban
Development funded project focused on proving the day-to-day suitability
of hydrogen as a fuel for road transport.
HydroGen4 on the Road
As an integral part of GM’s overall
advanced technology strategy towards further electrification of the car,
this fourth generation fuel cell vehicle is the culmination of more than
10 years development work with hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The
HydroGen4 features improvements in everyday usability, such as
performance and durability. Globally, GM deploys more than 100 vehicles
of this type in its Project Driveway testing programme in the U.S.,
Japan, Korea, China, and Germany. In the U.S., more than 100,000 people
have applied as mainstream drivers for the market test. To date, 3,400
people have driven the vehicles and 30 families have used the vehicle on
a daily basis over a period of around three months. In total, the
vehicles were driven almost 435,000 miles. Feedback from these
demonstration activities not only gives GM engineers essential
validation data, but also provides a valuable insight into the likely
ownership and driving experience of future customers.
HydroGen4’s fuel cell stack uses 440
single cells which combine hydrogen and oxygen from the air to produce
electricity, with water vapour as the only by-product, and therefore
zero emissions. The fuel cell stack provides the electric energy for the
73kW-synchronous electric motor, delivering acceleration of 0-62mph in
around 12 seconds and a top speed of 100mph.
The electric motor’s instant torque
characteristics also give the vehicle an excellent pick-up from low
speed. The HydroGen4 is fitted with a 1.8 kWh buffer battery to store
energy from the vehicle’s regenerative braking system and cover peak
electrical loads. The three carbon-fibre composite tanks hold 4.2 kg of
hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bars, sufficient for an operating range of
up to 320 kilometres.
HydroGen4 can start and run in sub-zero
temperatures, a considerable advance over the previous generation
technology and an important benefit for everyday usability. It is
designed to be as safe as conventional vehicles and includes unique
hydrogen safety features in each of its major systems.
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