Aug 28, 2008

Has Your Hydrogen Future Arrived?

As environmental awareness increases, so does the need for better fuel alternatives that have less impact upon the Earth. One of those energy sources -- hydrogen -- is getting a lot of buzz and moving from laboratory testing to the road. Hydrogen fuel cells are electric energy sources that have the potential to power everything from cell phones to large buildings. For cars, they provide near zero-emission power and don’t use any oil. And although actual commercially available hydrogen fuel vehicles are a few years down the road, many major auto manufacturers have already started hydrogen programs.

General Motors is at the forefront of the movement with a new campaign it calls “Project Driveway” that is putting fuel cell technology into practice in the largest market test ever. As part of the project, Chevrolet is lending 100 Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicles to selected families across the country. The pioneering drivers will give feedback on the overall operation and feeling of the car while generating public awareness and exposure for fuel-cell vehicles. It will help GM learn more about how the vehicles are received and how consumers react to the limited hydrogen-fuel infrastructure.