copyright 2008 GM Media Archive
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On November 6, 2008, GM rolled into Discovery Place to showcase their newest line of green vehicles. The selection featured everything from an eye-catching Pontiac Solstice to the Chevy Malibu Hybrid, and featured new technology like the GMC Yukon Hybrid, with a two-mode hybrid system to the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell vehicle. The event was a unique opportunity to talk with some knowledgeable representatives from GM and to see the company's green vision first hand.
GM defines their green vision with the phrase "gas friendly to gas-free." Sergio Ramos, GM project engineer and fuel cell expert, explained that GM's goal is to enable American drivers to slowly transition from all mechanical gasoline-powered vehicles to fully electric hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. This begins with the introduction of more fuel efficient gasoline vehicles, expansion of flex-fuel and E85 vehicles, refinements in hybrid vehicle technology, and finally, new research into future alternatives like hydrogen fuel cells.
Among the many vehicles on display, the ones that drew the most attention were the highly efficient models showcasing the latest in hybrid and fuel cell technology. One was the Chevy Malibu Hybrid. This vehicle, capable of achieving an EPA-rated 24 miles-per-gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, is a clear attempt to mix the features that have become standard for mid-sized sedans with the economy of a hybrid system. It seemed to be a practical combination of a spacious interior, large trunk, and efficient design.
Another popular vehicle was the GMC Yukon Hybrid. The thing that struck me about this vehicle was its size: it's really huge. Still, thanks to an advanced hybrid system, it manages to achieve an EPA-rated 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. If the difference between those two numbers seems strangely small, then the fact that the Yukon Hybrid achieves 20 mpg in either setting while in four wheel drive is really incredible. The reason for this is the new "two-mode full hybrid system" which is capable of precisely adjusting the combination of all-electric, hybrid electric, or full-fuel propulsion systems to specific driving conditions. While the economy is not record breaking, it represents up to a 50% improvement over the non-hybrid GMC Yukon. With a vehicle this size, that is truly significant.
More than any other vehicle on display, the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell was the one that constantly had a group of interested visitors around it. Certainly, seeing this prototype of a technology that has been so widely discussed and promoted, but so rarely implemented in the real world, was exciting. Mr. Ramos explained that while the Equinox on display represented a "proof of concept," it was not a production vehicle. Because of this, he was not able to discuss the projected cost of purchasing such a car, but he did say that production could begin as early as 2015.
The Equinox Fuel Cell vehicle does give us a sense of what operating a first-generation fuel cell car will be like. Mr. Ramos told me that it would cost $24 at today's prices to fill the vehicle's hydrogen tank, which has an equivalent capacity of 4 gallons. With this tank full, the Equinox Fuel Cell vehicle could travel as far as 200 miles under the power of its fully-electric motor. This performance may not be extraordinary, but it does represent a solid step towards a potentially viable, long range, zero emissions vehicle.
If you live in the Washington, DC, New York, or California metropolitan areas and the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell vehicle sounds interesting, it is possible to register to become a test driver. If you qualify, GM will give you a test model to drive, free of charge, for three months. For more information, check out the "fuel solutions" link a chevy.com.
Though everyone seemed disappointed that the much anticipated Chevy Volt was not on display, the event still provided an interesting look at GM's latest in green vehicle technology.
Read the second part of this series: Learning About GM's Alternative-Fuel Vehicles (Part2).
Read more about green transportation:
GM Next Videos: E-85 Ethanol
How to Go Green: Cars
Tested: 6 Presumed Gas Mileage Savers
How to Ride the Bus!
The Best Transportation Campaigns—Join One and Make a Difference
G Word Episode: Indy 500 Goes Ethanol
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