Fuel Cell vehicles have faced a lot of trouble, even from environmentalists. The cost, the technology, refueling and hydrogen pumps have all come in the line of fire and many have declared the technology itself as ‘not feasible’. Prohibitive costs have always remained the main hurdle for vehicles trying to run on hydrogen.
Fuel cell driven vehicles are extremely clean. Running on hydrogen, these vehicles produce only water as a byproduct. Many big guns of the auto world intend to make fuel cell vehicles a reality and tests are going on in many parts of the world.
GM has decided to involve citizens for testing its fuel cell vehicles and is giving out hundred Chevrolet Equinox SUVs for a three-month period. The SUVs will be given to citizens in LA and New York. GM calls it a large-scale market test. Users will get the vehicle as well as fuel for free, plus GM will provide continuous road assistance, all this in return for feedback.
The company believes that nearly 800 individuals and families will get to drive the Equinox over the three and a half year life cycle of the test. GM wants to bring fuel cell technology to the market and is planning to overcome the hurdles associated with it. Plans to open a number of hydrogen pumps so that drivers have easy access to fuel are also underway, along with attempts to make the technology cheaper and within the reach of individuals.
GM has created a website where you can register if you want to be a part of the program. Click to go to Chevrolet’s Project Drive Way webpage.
[Source: LA Times]
