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CHEVROLET TO LAUNCH WORLD’S LARGEST FUEL CELL VEHICLE FLEET
More Than 100 to Debut in 2007 in First Meaningful Market Test of Fuel Cell Vehicles
SAN DIEGO – General Motors committed to building the world’s largest fuel cell vehicle fleet today by announcing its next-generation fuel cell vehicle – the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell.
GM will build more than 100 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles and will begin placing them with customers in the fall of 2007, as part of a comprehensive deployment plan dubbed “Project Driveway.” Designed to gain comprehensive learnings on all aspects of the customer experience, Project Driveway constitutes the first meaningful market test of fuel cell vehicles anywhere. A variety of drivers – in differing driving environments – will operate these vehicles and refuel with hydrogen in three geographic areas: California, the New York metropolitan area and Washington D.C.
“General Motors is demonstrating its commitment to hydrogen fuel cells as the answer for taking the automobile out of the environmental debate and reducing our dependence on petroleum,” said Larry Burns, GM vice president, research & development and strategic planning. “The Equinox Fuel Cell is powered by GM’s most advanced fuel cell propulsion system to date, and demonstrates an important milestone on our pathway to automotive-competitive fuel cell propulsion technology development.”
Enabled by GM’s fourth-generation fuel cell propulsion system, the Equinox Fuel Cell is a fully-functional crossover vehicle, engineered for 50,000 miles of life. Importantly, the Equinox Fuel Cell is able to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures during its 50,000-mile life. It is expected to meet all applicable 2007 U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and is equipped with a long list of standard safety features including driver and passenger frontal air bags and roof rail side-impact air bags; anti-lock braking system (ABS); StabiliTrak stability enhancement technology and OnStar, while providing all of the environmental benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
“ The Equinox Fuel Cell is a real-world vehicle with real-world performance,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The fuel cell technology is seamlessly integrated into a uniquely styled crossover vehicle that is distinctively Chevrolet. The Equinox Fuel Cell joins Chevrolet’s family of advanced gas-saving and alternative fuel vehicles.”
The Project Driveway market test will provide comprehensive insight into all aspects of the customer experience, including reaction to the exciting, smooth and quiet performance of a fuel cell vehicle, and refueling with clean hydrogen gas. “These learnings will directly influence future fuel cell vehicle generations and ultimate market acceptance,” Peper said. “ With Chevrolet being GM’s global volume brand, it makes sense that Chevy will lead GM’s fuel cell vehicle commercialization charge.”
About General Motors Corporation
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM operates one of the world’s leading finance companies, GMAC Financial Services, which offers automotive, residential and commercial financing and insurance. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.
Specifications released separate from the press release.........
Specifications: 2007 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell
General
Vehicle type:
5-door, front-wheel-drive SUV
Chassis:
independent MacPherson struts front, independent, 4-link trailing arm rear, disc brakes front and rear, friction brake blending to maximize energy capture, electric power assist steering
Seating capacity:
4
Dimensions
Wheelbase (in / mm):
112.5 / 2858
Length (in / mm):
188.8 / 4796
Width (in / mm):
71.4 / 1814
Height (in / mm):
69.3 / 1760
Curb weight (lb / kg):
4431 / 2010
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):
32.0 / 906.24
Fuel storage system
Type:
3 carbon fiber fuel tanks, compressed gas
Service pressure (psi / bar):
10,000 / 700
Storage capacity (lb / kg):
9.24 / 4.2
Fuel cell system
Power (kW):
93
Battery system
Type:
nickel metal hydride battery pack; regenerative braking
Power (kW):
35
Electric traction system
Front system:
3-phase asynchronous electric motor, FWD
Power (kW):
73 continuous, 94 maximum
Torque (lb-ft / Nm):
236 / 320
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph / 0-100 km/h (sec):
12
Top speed (mph / km/h):
100 / 160
Operating range (miles / km):
200 / 320
Payload (lb / kg):
750 / 340
Exterior
Colors:
white, and premium tri-coat Glacier Gold
Styling:
differentiated front and rear fascia, exhaust outlets, chrome accents, graphics
Tire size:
P225/60R17, 17-inch aluminum wheels
Interior
Content:
Premium cloth (leather free) seats and trim, 2-passenger rear bench with center console
Color & styling:
Glacier Gold theme with fabric and trim, unique floor mats and shift lever graphics
Instrument panel:
kW meter, fuel cell energy display
Fuel cell propulsion system
Operating life (durability, miles / km):
2.5 years, 50,000 / 2.5 / 80,000
Freeze capacity:
freeze capable without grid heater
Operating temperature (F / C):
-13 to +113 / -25 to +45
Standard equipment
OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation; electronic control HVAC; driver side power seat; deep tint windows; heated seats; keyless entry; power door locks/windows; power steering; driver information system; cruise control; AM/FM/XM navigation radio
Safety & security
Expected to meet all applicable 2007 U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS); driver and passenger frontal air bags and roof rail side-impact air bags; ABS; traction control; StabiliTrak; OnStar; navigation system
Product benefits
No petroleum consumption; EPA-certified zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) that emits only water vapor; zero propulsion system (greenhouse gases-GHG) emissions; instantaneous torque
Peace,
Martin
I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues
I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues
I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues
2.5 years is definitely a worthy achievement given the contraints of the technology in its current state. Any idea on the cell replacement projected unit costs?
... but why a large vehicle platform again? I was hoping for a direct challenge to the Honda FCX currently on the field.
I can guess a number of plausible reasons but they would be just guesses.
I hope that GM has set aside enough money for the lawsuits that will come when one of these explode. The practical time frame for hydrogen vehicles is never IMHO.
I hope that GM has set aside enough money for the lawsuits that will come when one of these explode. The practical time frame for hydrogen vehicles is never IMHO.
JeffD
Yeah, it's silly to put a combustable fuel in an automobile.
2.5 years is definitely a worthy achievement given the contraints of the technology in its current state. Any idea on the cell replacement projected unit costs?
... but why a large vehicle platform again? I was hoping for a direct challenge to the Honda FCX currently on the field.
I can guess a number of plausible reasons but they would be just guesses.
Cheers;
MSantos
Broader market appeal. More people can find a use for a vehicle that seats five with some room for carrying stuff than can optimize use of a vehicle that seats two or four and is focused on high fuel economy commuting. If the five seater can be made commuter friendly it's a win / win.
Peace,
Martin
I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues
I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues
I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues
It's larger than a Prius, but last I checked, the Equinox is not massive. I would prefer something like the Sequel - a CUV.
Don't let your GM frustration set a double standard - rip GM for crushing it's EV1s, then attack them again if they do put a FCV on the market that is not astronomically priced.
Yes, I am concerned with the challenges of fuel cell technology.
I earnestly would like to see GM complete a project like this all the way to the marketplace. My confidence in them would soar if they do.
Broader market appeal. More people can find a use for a vehicle that seats five with some room for carrying stuff than can optimize use of a vehicle that seats two or four and is focused on high fuel economy commuting. If the five seater can be made commuter friendly it's a win / win.
Peace,
Martin
Thank you Martin.
I actually suspected that to be one of the primary reasons... it does make sense. I really hope that this annoucement can be the first of many good news to come.
It's larger than a Prius, but last I checked, the Equinox is not massive. I would prefer something like the Sequel - a CUV.
...
Sequel and Equinox are based on similar chassis sets. So is the VUE. See a trend here?
So what's the difference between a CUV and a FWD SUV? IMHO, the person writing the article.
I should've mentioned in the earlier response that another reason for using utility vehicles instead of small sedans is simply the physics of battery location without trading off passenger comfort.
Peace,
Martin
I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues
I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues
I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues
Hybrids: '06 Civic Hybrid Magnetic Pearl w/Navi (as of July 1, 2006)
Posts: 1,284
Re: Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell
Sounds promising, and GM is risking a lot by this move. So, I'm thinking they REALLY think they're onto something - and maybe they think they can learn quickly, and just maybe put this on the market in 3-4 years.
I'm excited about the possibilities!
Steve
STOP terrorism - Drive a HYBRID
Vehicles:
350 miles a week ------------ 2006 HCH II, Magnetic Pearl, w/NAVI (born on May 25, 2006)
350 miles a month ---------- 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6
350 miles a year (for now) - 1986 Mercedes 560SL
Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell
