Might Honda’s Fuel Cell Strategy Provide Clues To GM’s Future?
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General Motors and Honda have crafted a partnership to produce and accelerate hydrogen fuel cell technology, but GM has largely been absent from building a vehicle equipped with the technology for consumers.
On the other hand, Honda has been gung-ho on the propulsion method, introducing a new Honda Clarity sedan powered exclusively by hydrogen. Jalopnik reports the Clarity sedan will also gain a family of propulsion methods, however. Joining the hydrogen-only sedan will be a full-electric version and a plug-in hybrid.
The question may be, will GM follow a similar path? The General has previously stated hydrogen technology is very much in its infancy, and by the time it would provide a vehicle for consumers, the vehicle would already be nearly obsolete. That’s how quickly the technology is improving.
Introducing hydrogen in baby steps alongside a suite of other vehicles may be the better solution to begin warming customers up to the idea of powering the vehicle with a letter from the periodic table of elements. However, no concrete plans have emerged from GM over the technology, but Honda has been outspoken on the work both automakers have accomplished.
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Instead of putting more money into a FCV, GM must continue improving the Voltec system, and apply it into more models. GM now has five vehicles (Chevy Volt, Cadillac ELR, Cadillac CT6 Hybrid, Chevy Malibu Hybrid, and Buick LaCrosse Hybrid) but need to put it into CUVs, SUVs, sedans, and trucks.
Ray GM needs to invest in all areas as not any single one will solve the problem as of now.
GM will continue the Voltech and try to improve it as technology advances as well as Electric, Fuel Cell and propane. All this will continue as well as improved Gas and Diesel technology is also maintained.
This is a all hands on deck deal. The real key will be to get filling stations for Fuel Cells as they are not common or easy to find.
By the way Ray the Fuel Cell Vehicles use much of the Electric parts of the Electric cars and Voltec systems as they use the Hydrogen to generate the electricity vs. a battery.
I have driven the GM Fuel Cell car and it is much like any other car on electric power with tons of torque but with no need to plug in.