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GM Unveils H2 Fuel Cell Version of “Volt” Concept at Shanghai Auto Show

SHANGHAI, APRIL 20 - In a not-so-subtle hint that it may be betting on Asia to move first on hydrogen fuel cell transportation, General Motors today unveiled the fuel cell version of its new concept Volt electric car here at the Shanghai Auto Show.

GM showed the initial version of its new mix-and-match E-Flex electric drive train architecture in the Chevrolet Volt in January at the Detroit Auto Show (H&FCL Jan. 07). That one featured a brawny lithium ion battery, a small 1 liter, three-cylinder constant speed turbocharged 53 kW engine running on E-85 fuel plus plug-in capability to recharge the battery.

In Shanghai, GM displayed the new concept car with an 80 kW PEM fuel cell, a smaller lithium ion battery, but also with plug-in capability, in place of the gas engine. Other Volt versions that GM plans to unveil later on, most likely in Europe, are expected to use a small, efficient diesel to power the common electric drive train in which cables replace mechanical transmission and driveshaft linkages.The fuel cell is GM’s fifth generation version, roughly half the size and weight of the previous one that powers the Sequel concept and the upcoming small-series Equinox (H&FCL Oct. 06).

Two tanks storing 4 kg of compressed hydrogen on board will give the car a range 0f 300 miles, the company said.

Media reports quoted GM CEO Rick Wagoner, in Shanghai for the launch, as saying that “China may very well be the first country to develop a broad-based fuel cell infrastructure.” And Larry Burns, GM’s vice president for research, development and strategic planning, who was also there, told a reporter that, applying the principle that in major cities hydrogen stations should be accessible within no more than two miles, densely populated Shanghai could get started with 124 stations to fuel about 200,000 fuel cell vehicles.

(A more detailed story will appear in the upcoming May issue of “The Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Letter”)

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