General Motors is developing a broad range of next-generation technologies, including hydrogen fuel cell tech under the Hydrotec trademark. Now, General Motors is moving to expand the coverage for the Hydrotec trademark.
General Motors recently filed two new trademarks with the the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the Hydrotec trademark. Both were filed February 2nd, 2022. The first application, assigned serial number 97251105, lists “Fuel cell power generators” under the Goods and Services category, while the second, assigned serial number 97251123, lists “Modular fuel cell systems comprised of fuel cell stacks, boost converter, hoses, sensors, housing, inlet ports and outlet ports” under under the Goods and Services category.
Earlier this year, General Motors announced it is developing new commercial applications for its Hydrotec hydrogen fuel cell technology, expanding its use beyond vehicle powertrain systems. Using the automaker’s second-generation hydrogen fuel cell cubes, the new use cases include a mobile power generator to provide quick-charge capabilities for electric vehicles. Output from the generators could range from 60 kW to 600 kW, with less heat and noise than what is generated by a gas or diesel generator.
The generator technology also has possible applications for the military and regional emergency back-up power. What’s more, GM is investigating hydrogen fuel cell tech for trains, aircraft, and commercial vehicles as well.
General Motors originally filed to trademark the Hydrotec name in 2016, and again later in 2020. Both of those previous applications pertained to “Fuel cells for vehicles.”
| Word Mark | Goods and Services | Serial Number | Filing Date | Published for Opposition | Type of Mark | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrotec | Fuel cell power generators | 97251105 | February 2, 2022 | Trademark | Live | |
| Hydrotec | Modular fuel cell systems comprised of fuel cell stacks, boost converter, hoses, sensors, housing, inlet ports and outlet ports | 97251123 | February 2, 2022 | Trademark | Live | |
| Hydrotec | Fuel cells for vehicles | 90248952 | October 12, 2020 | February 9, 2021 | Trademark | Live |
| Hydrotec | Fuel cells for vehicles | 87192753 | October 4, 2016 | August 15, 2017 | Trademark | Dead |
Notably, GM is credited with creating the first-ever hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, namely the 1966 Electrovan, which was based on the 1966 GMC Handivan.
General Motors previously used hydrogen fuel cell tech to create the Chevy Colorado ZH2 concept, and later the Chevy Silverado ZH2 Concept, both of which have military applications.
Hydrotec also complements GM’s Ultium battery technology and GM’s Ultium motor technology.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more GM trademark news, GM electric vehicle news, GM technology news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
I’m all for anything that increases efficiency, value, and reduces noise and heat. But hydrogen is still very expensive. Is this really a cost-effective solution?
Fuel cell thermal efficiency can be as high as 70%, far above ICEs. If you look, the price of gasoline has nearly doubled from its Covid lows.
What has changed the price of hydrogen? I remember when $for$ H was like 1/8 the price of gasoline. Rising electricity costs making splitting H2O that much more expensive?.
???????? J Lo