GM moves closer to production automotive fuel cells

General Motors has unveiled the company’s first fuel cell vehicle prototype to be equipped with an on-board gasoline reformer capable of operating the cell with ordinary pump gasoline. Installed in a Chevrolet S-10 pickup, the unit was unveiled by GM vice president Larry Burns at the recent University of Michigan Automotive Seminar. “Last year, when I was here to announce that GM was revving up the fuel cell race, the gasoline fuel processor was so large, I couldn’t bring it here to show you,” said Burns, who added, “As an added bonus, we’ve produced a stationary power unit which provides a new, innovative way to supply electricity to homes and businesses.” The prototype stationary unit uses the vehicle fuel cell and reformer technology, and runs on natural gas, methane or gasoline. A refrigerator-sized unit could power a single-family home, and is scalable for larger applications, according to the company. According to Burns: “At this point, we have made no business decisions regarding the application of our technology to stationary power, but we have been contacted by several companies regarding the possibility of working together to commercialize stationary, distributed generator units.” General Motors has announced a commitment to be the first manufacturer to sell 1 million fuel cell vehicles.