GM is exploring a variety of next-generation propulsion systems in pursuit of its goal of reducing vehicle emissions, including hydrogen fuel cell technology. Now, The General has announced a new GM fuel cell pilot program that applies hydrogen tech towards the creation of low-emissions worksites, including fuel cell-powered medium duty trucks and supporting hydrogen infrastructure. The initiative is funded by the Department of Energy’s SuperTruck 3 program and the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, and aims to demonstrate the practical applications of fuel cell tech for use in commercial and fleet vehicles.
The fuel cell trucks are based on a platform similar to that underpinning the 2024 Chevy Silverado 5500 MD, with GM’s Hydrotec fuel cell system providing upwards of 300 miles of range and GVWR of 19,500 pounds. The system is 800V native and can generate over 300kW (402 horsepower) of power.
Southern Company will integrate new Hydrotec fuel cell vehicles into its operations, while also piloting an integrated hydrogen microgrid in collaboration with GM and Nel ASA. The microgrid system will incorporate Nel ASA PEM electrolyzers for on-site hydrogen production. The microgrid is expected to be located an unspecified Georgia power plant, and will create green hydrogen at off-peak hours that will be used to power the site’s operations at times when grid power is most expensive. Fuel cells will also provide power for 350kW fast charger stations for EV medium duty trucks.
“These trucks and their accompanying hydrogen infrastructure can help enable a zero-emissions solution for HD and MD truck customers looking to meet their clean energy goals as well as reduce their operational noise and carbon footprint,” said the executive director of global Hydrotec, Charlie Freese. “GM’s advanced fuel cell technology gives these trucks a competitive edge against their diesel counterparts, with comparable towing and payload capabilities.”
GM’s fuel cell technology efforts are also supported by the U.S. Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center, which contributes additional funding for the development of fuel cell propulsion systems.
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Comments
This looks more like the future.
More, government imposed, PIE IN THE SKY DREAMING!!
Hydrogen Lol
Where will they mine the platinum? How many miles before the fuel cell is fouled? If it viable, why government subsidy?
Latest Hydrogen Fuel Cell stacks don’t utilize platinum, rather they use either Single-atom iron or Iron and nitrogen doped carbon electrodes. Daihatsu has already done platinum free fuel cell stacks. The greatest thing here is that in 2028 the price of Hydrogen will come down between $5 and $10 a kilo, currently is above $22. The price drop in Hydrogen gas is due to the upcoming technologies of making the stuff cheaper thru electrolysis, like ridiculously cheaper.