One of the biggest announcements at this years CES was the introduction of the hydrogen-powered Cadillac Provoq concept vehicle by General Motors. The Provoq is another one of GM’s efforts to develop vehicles that will reduce their fuel consumption and minimize their emissions.
The Provoq is a hydrogen powered vehicle that uses the fifth generation E-flex architecture used in the GM Volt, to power a vehicle that only emits water. The E-Flex system is composed of a lithium-ion battery, a fuel cell system and a pair of 10,000-psi hydrogen tanks to produce enough power for the a 70kw axial electric system and two 40kw rear in-wheel motors. The vehicle will drive for up to 300 miles on a single tank, and will take you from 0-60mph in about 8.5 seconds. It’s top speed is 100mph.
As the lithium-ion battery and fuel cell system are mostly worried on powering the vehicle, the Provoq is equipped with a solar panel that is used to power all the vehicle’s interior gadgets. The interiors of the vehicle reflect some attempt at moving past emissions as the only environmental concern, with the use of recycled carpets and toxic chemical free finishes throughout the vehicle.
While we honestly believe that the best way to reduce our impact on the environment would be to ditch the vehicle as much as possible, the technologies involved within this vehicle do make it an exciting one to report on.
+Cadillac Unveils Hydrogen-Powered Provoq at CES @ Wired
Another American junk mobile, I am sticking with Japanese cars. They last longer, get better fuel milage, and retain more of their sticker value. American cars all fall apart and destroy the environment…
GM really needs to stop talking and start doing.
They’ll be in Chapter 11 before we see any of this stuff.
“While we honestly believe that the best way to reduce our impact on the environment would be to ditch the vehicle as much as possible”
I’m sad for you. I love vehicles! I will wave at you from my hydrogen vehicle in a few years while you walk everywhere
James will not be waving from a hydrogen vehicle any time soon (if ever). See:
http://climateprogress.org/2007/11/21/hydrogen-fuel-cell-car-ballard-dead-end/
for but one example of why. Not only would hydorgen-powered vehicles require an infrastructure that does not, and will not, exist, the notion that they emit only water is highly misleading. Hydrogen would be better thought of a “liquid battery” than a fuel, because it needs to be generated before being used. And where will it come from? While the energy investment could come from wind and solar sources, it will most likely come predominantly from coal for some time.
In the mean time, plug in hybrids and full electric vehicles are making great strides and offer superior environemntal benefits. yes, they too must get the electricity from somewhere, but there is less need for a new fuel infrastructure than for hydrogen and less loss of energy than in the conversion to hydrogen.
Forget hydrogen!
And, of course, there is no substitute for a walk or a bike ride.
GM is currently testing out a hydrogen fuel cell car right now. For once it’s probably fine to imagine that this car will exist, be sold, and appeal to people who want to drive a prettier car than the weird prius.
I also love cars and in reality people are not going to get rid of them, so if this is a start, which it sadly is only, to making them green I am glad to see it. small steps, one at a time.
Electric cars. Tesla Roadster leads the way.() Tesla family car comes next ? Electric cars, buses and trucks ? I think so. Go electric ! (Given current economic realities… the prices might have to be somewhat reduced ?)
Tesla link is here:
Ive tested the Lexus Ls600 and its heavy! very fast but weighing in at over two and a half tons. Go steam- and I’m not joking ! read my post under Morgan