5/18/09

Real world testing proves that HydroGen4 fuel-cell SUVs are viable


Just last week, the Obama administration announced that it will eliminate former President George W. Bush’s $1.2 billion plan to develop cars that run on hydrogen fuel-cells. The current administration said that they would much rather target more immediate fuel-saving solutions.

However, that hasn’t stopped from GM/Opel to continue testing their HydroGen4 vehicles. GM said in statement released yesterday that the road tests of the HydroGen4 vehicles in Berlin continue to show that fuel-cell cars are reliable and that in the future, hydrogen mobility is viable.

Opel currently has 10 HydroGen4 prototype running in Berlin with 8 of them being used by everyday users.

“The feedback from drivers about the HydroGen4 and its refueling has been highly encouraging,” said Dr. Lars Peter Thiesen, Manager, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Deployment Strategy for GM/Opel in Europe. “The vehicles have been very reliable, proving in principal the viability of hydrogen technology and fuel cell vehicles. Clearly, the HydroGen4 is a forerunner to environmentally friendly hydrogen-based transportation.”

Power for the HydroGen4 comes from 440 single cells, which combine the ‘H’ to the ‘O’ from the air to produce electricity. The carbon fiber tanks hold 4.2 kg of hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bars allowing for 199 mile range.

Make the jump for the press-release and the high-res image gallery.

GM HydroGen4 Concept:

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Archive

 

AUTOhut. Copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved