by GM experimented with hydrogen fuel cells as early as the 1960s
While GM’s modern experiments with hydrogen fuel cells may seem innovative, the company began research in this field 60 years ago. While NASA was using this technology for space programs, GM was attempting to adapt it for ground transportation.
A bulky system for its time
The first prototype based on the Handi-Bus had an incredibly large fuel system. The hydrogen engine occupied almost the entire space of the van, leaving room only for the driver and one passenger. The total weight of the vehicle reached 3.2 tons, of which 1.77 tons were accounted for by the fuel cells.
“The system, which combines hydrogen and oxygen in an electrochemical reaction, was not only large due to the bulky tanks but also extremely heavy”
Performance was very low—acceleration to 60 mph took about 30 seconds. The theoretical range was 150 miles, but real-world testing on public roads was not conducted due to safety concerns. During one test, an external fuel tank exploded, scattering debris over 400 meters.
Technology that paved the way for the future
This project was never planned for mass production, but it proved the fundamental possibility of using hydrogen fuel cells in transportation. Modern systems have become much more compact and efficient, using oxygen from the air instead of separate tanks.
Almost 60 years later, GM continues to develop both battery and hydrogen technologies. The company sees particular promise in the application of Hydrotec fuel cells for heavy commercial vehicles, while passenger cars operate more efficiently on traditional batteries. These early experiments, despite their shortcomings, were an important step in the development of alternative energy sources for transportation.
