GM Pushes Chevrolet Sequel Into History Books

Anthony Fontanelle
May 22, 2007

The General Motors Corporation made history by announcing that it has made no commitments to build the Chevy Sequel - the world’s most technologically advanced automobile. The Sequel is the first electrically-driven fuel cell vehicle to yield 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, in and out of traffic on public roads, while producing zero emissions.

“With this drive, General Motors has reached another important milestone toward the commercialization of our fuel cell vehicles, by achieving the range expected by today’s consumers,” said Larry Burns, the GM vice president for research & development and strategic planning.

Burns added, “And we did it while producing zero emissions, as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle only emits water. In addition, the hydrogen produced at Niagara Falls, used to fuel Sequel, was derived from hydropower - a clean, renewable resource. This means that the entire process - from the creation of the hydrogen to the use of the fuel in the vehicle - was virtually carbon dioxide (CO2) free.”

The Chevrolet Sequel debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Its first drivable version was introduced last fall. The hybrid crossover SUV concept is the first vehicle in the world to successfully integrate a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system with a broad menu of advanced technologies like the steer-and brake-by-wire controls, wheel hub motors, lithium-ion batteries and a lightweight aluminum structure. It uses clean, renewable hydrogen as a fuel and emits only water vapor. It also is the first fuel cell vehicle to achieve real-world range.

The Sequel is powered by a fuel cell powertrain, which covers an electronic control unit and a fourth-generation version of the automaker’s fuel-cell stack. The fuel-cell technology of America’s largest automaker is an electrochemical device that blends hydrogen fuel with oxygen from air to produce electricity. The technology emits nothing more than water vapor hence it is treated as the most environment friendly vehicle around the globe. The Sequel may not be featuring Chevrolet pickup side window covers but its offers are even more fascinating.

Electric motors have different characteristics from internal-combustion engines. Purposely, they achieve maximum torque at start-up. According to GM's figures, the Sequel will accelerate from 0-to-96 km/h in less than ten seconds and that is quicker than a Hummer H3 and well within the CUV/SUV norm.

Hydrogen storage and the driving range are the main concentration in the development of GM’s fuel-cell vehicles. The Sequel stores eight kilograms of gaseous hydrogen in three cylindrical, carbon-composite fuel tanks which are pressurized to 700 bars and mounted longitudinally below the cabin floor.

“General Motors is proving that advanced technology can remove the automobile from the environmental debate and reduce our dependence on petroleum,” Burns said. “Chevy Sequel clearly shows that our vision for the future of the automobile is real and sustainable.”

The 300-mile drive through the state of New York started at General Motors’ Fuel Cell Activity Center in Honeoye Falls, where the automaker officially sent the Chevy Sequel off into the history books. “It is our fuel cell teams’ tremendous record of success and absolute dedication to this tremendously important cause,” Burns noted, “which will ultimately enable our country, and our world, to diversify our energy sources and displace large amounts of petroleum.”

In Tarrytown, the Sequel achieved the 300-mile mark and crossed the finish line. There, GM reiterated its commitment to bringing part of its next fleet of over 100 Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicles under the “Project Driveway” demonstration program to the greater NY metropolitan area this fall.

Source:  Amazines.com