General Motors (GM) has developed a zero-emission battery and hydrogen fuel cell-powered car using a platinum catalyst as part of its Chevrolet Volt concept range.

For the new model, the electricity and gasoline-powered hybrid engine which was used in its forbear is replaced by a fuel cell, with a smaller battery being used to free up room.

The new car is more efficient than its predecessor thanks to the incorporation of a power release and storage battery system whereby the fuel cell stays at a constant rate at which it operates most efficiently, while the battery provides extra power for travelling at accelerated speeds and saves up power when the car is moving slowly.

Meanwhile, energy that is generated via braking is stored by the battery, which also makes for greater efficiency.

The car will initially be launched in China, where GM perceives it has a greater chance of securing a toehold in the market as a result of the country's relatively undeveloped energy infrastructure.

Nick Zielinski, of GM's advanced concept division, told Technology Review: "They [China] could develop a hydrogen infrastructure much sooner than we do here. And a fuel cell vehicle may make more sense than a plug-in-to-grid option because hydrogen may be much more accessible."

He added: "Hydrogen, when it's generated in a renewable way, produces no emissions. And that's where I think we'd like to get to."

GM's announcement of its battery and fuel cell-powered hybrid vehicle follows Ford's employment of similar technology in its P2000HFC concept car.

Source:

GM's New Fuel-Cell Car, 23/04/07

http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/18565/page2/

Alternative autos showcased, 23/04/07

http://www.caycompass.com/cgi-bin/CFPnews.cgi?ID=1021575

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