General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) joined the slew of companies this week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas which touted their technological advances and gave insight into what was ahead. CEO Rick Wagoner even took the opportunity to introduce a Cadillac concept vehicle during his keynote speech that uses fuel-cell and battery technology for propulsion. Translated: no fossil fuels needed.The Cadillac concept is powered by the promising fuel-cell technology along with lithium batteries. Additionally, it will be built on the same platform as GM's previously-announced and uber-anticipated Volt 100% electric vehicle scheduled to roll off assembly lines sometime before or in 2010. Wagoner even drove a Volt onto the stage where he gave his keynote. If that's not grandstanding for the future of the auto industry, I'm not sure what is.
The Cadillac Provoq will have all the style and luxury of the Cadillac brand if it makes its way from concept to reality, to which Wagoner said "it is fitting that our premium brand would be propelled by our most advanced technology." The details pit this as not a bad auto performer all things considered: 300 mile range before re-fueling, 0 to 60 in under nine seconds and a 100 mph top speed. It's good to see GM really promoting a green vehicle agenda instead of $2,500 DVD navigation systems linked to Bluetooth smartphones that dress you and cook your breakfast while you drive. Well, something like that anyway.











Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-09-2008 @ 2:47PM
TX CHL Instructor said...
I see that the source article carefully avoids mentioning hydrogen. Running a car on hydrogen is insanely stupid. First off, it isn't 'green' in any meaningful sense of the word -- it isn't really even a fuel; it's just a grossly inefficient storage mechanism. Commercial hydrogen is produced by methane reduction (because that's much cheaper than electrolysis), so it is a fossil-fuel derivative.
For GM -- a company drowning in red ink -- to pursue such a vehicle means that we can expect not to see them to either go out of business soon, or get a massive government bailout. I'd rather see them go out of business.
Political Correctness makes for lousy science, bad economics, and even worse public policy.
1-18-2008 @ 8:16AM
Robert Kuhn said...
In the Instructor's first line about the article's not mentioning hydrogen, he should not the artcle does mention "fuel cell" which translates to hydrogen. The "Instructor" should also note less emotional and more factual comments #3 and 4.
1-09-2008 @ 3:11PM
Bruce Jackson said...
Anyone who is interested in General Motors past electric car pursuit, I highly recomend they see the movie WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR
1-10-2008 @ 10:10AM
Mike said...
Hyrogen is currently produced is large quantities all over the world for industrial use. H2 production is a $60 billion industry.
The primary issue is not the environment. The larger picture should be well understood by everyone when they put gas in their car or pay their electrcity bill or express concern over our military activities in the Middle East. It is access to domestically controlled sources of energy.
The opportunity to choose our international obligations based on ideals instead of need, the rejuvination of American manufacturing industries and the retention of more than $600 billion in annual energy/fuel import costs are the prime issues. The outstanding net environmental issues are just a big plus.
The current cost of hydrogen, when used in fuel cell vehicle application is approx $30 to $48 per tank (6 kg.) That will power a car like the new Cadillac Provoq 300 miles, or the Honda Clarity 270 miles, each with a top speed of 100 mph, with a fuel price that is less per mile driven than gasoline.
Hydrogen has been safely handled and stored for more than a century.
There are many ways to make hydrogen including Steam Methane Reforming (using natural gas or methane from landfills), Electrolysis (breaking apart water with electricty from wind, solar and nuclear power facilities), Gasification (coal, wastes), reverse SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell), etc.
Sooner than you think, hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles will be available. Sooner thsan you think, you'll want any alternative to petroleum.
1-18-2008 @ 2:59PM
jpdr1100 said...
At $30-48 per 300 mile tank, the Provoc is going 6.25 to 10 miles for every dollar of fuel.
That equates to $3 gasoline giving 19-30 mpg.
Not sure where you get the "less per mile than gasoline" figure.
1-17-2008 @ 2:22PM
Robert Kuhn said...
Of course, Honda is currently taking orders for their hydrogen fuel cell/electric Clarity HFC sedan in southern California for $600/mo. including 3-year lease, maintenance and limited insurance. To solve the infrastructure/H2 supply problem, Honda has developed the hydrogen-from-natural-gas Home Energy Station -- which also provides co-generation heat and electricity to the home. Total emissions savings for the home and car is in the order of 30% according to Honda.