GM reaches milestone with fleet of hydrogen fuel vehicles

May 13, 2014 0 By Angie Bergenson

GM Hydrogen Fuel Cell - GM Technology Center California

Fuel cell vehicle fleet passes 3 million mile mark

General Motors has announced that its fleet of fuel cell vehicles has passed the 3 million miles traveled mark. The fuel cell vehicle fleet represents the automaker’s interests in clean transportation. General Motors has become a relatively strong supporter of hydrogen fuel cells in recent years, noting that these energy systems could lead to the production of vehicles that produce no emissions and cut down on fuel consumption. Like other automakers interested in fuel cells, GM has been working to showcase the capabilities of these energy systems.

Fleet avoids consumption of some 157,000 gallons of gasoline

According to GM, each of the vehicles in its fuel cell fleet has traveled approximately 120,000 miles on its own. Collectively, the entire fleet has avoided more than 157,000 gallons of gasoline consumption, making it one of the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle fleets on the planet. The fleet is comprised of 119 Equinox fuel cell vehicles, which are part of General Motors’ Project Driveway. The project was launched in 2007 and aims to acquire feedback from drivers concerning fuel cell technology and its uses in transportation.

GM works with other automakers to make fuel cell vehicles commercially viable

General Motors notes that hydrogen fuel cell technology is an important part of its advanced propulsion portfolio. Transportation is changing and the automaker is not one to be left behind when it comes to shifts in technology or innovation. General Motors has even partnered with other automakers to accelerate its research and development of fuel cell technology. Honda is currently working with GM to make fuel cell vehicles commercially viable by 2020.

Infrastructure is still a serious issue that needs to be addressed

While General Motors has high hopes for fuel cell vehicles, infrastructure remains a cause for concern for the company. Much of the world currently lacks and effective hydrogen fuel infrastructure. This means that fuel cell vehicles have access to only limited fuel support, which can make them quite unattractive to consumers. Without a comprehensive infrastructure in place, fuel cell vehicles may fail to find commercial success, despite the efforts of automakers.

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