In early 2008, Chevrolet launched a test fleet of Equinox fuel cell vehicles that were hydrogen-powered, across the streets of New York City, Washington D.C. and Southern California.
Known as ‘Project Driveway’, the aim of this initiative was to garner feedback from everyday people about the usability and feasibility of fuel cell vehicles – vehicles that have zero emissions other than water vapor and are completely gasoline independent, thus reducing our over dependence on foreign fuel.
Know more about the program and the experience that people are having, using this vehicle, in this video.
Side View of the Chevy Equinox FCV
As an electric vehicle, the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell uses GM’s fourth-generation fuel cell system, which is the most advanced fuel cell propulsion system that GM has produced till date. Combined with the vehicle’s electric motor traction system, it will produce quickfire torque, instant and smooth acceleration as well as noiseless performance.
GM is not yet bringing the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell out for general purchase by customers. Rather, this initiative is a way to garner feedback from select users, regarding both the positives and the negatives of the vehicle. In case you are wondering what the negatives are, well they are practically nothing to do with the vehicle itself, and more with the limited availability of hydrogen fuel pumps. So considering the limited distance that the vehicle can go on one fill of hydrogen fuel, combined with the limited availability of hydrogen fuel pumps, it will take a while for the vehicle as well as the technology to actually gain prominence as well as wide acceptance.
Rear View of the Chevy Equinox FCV - in all its Elements!
In terms of acceptance and recognition from external entities, the vehicle is receiving rave accolades. Already, the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell has been awarded with the Green Car Vision Award from the Green Car Journal, which is a big achievement, since it is the first time that the magazine has actually recognized a limited production vehicle for its futuristic technologies and thinking.
Only time can tell about the future of this project, though the prospects seem really bright. Additionally, considering our country’s dependence on foreign oil from essentially hostile regimes, the need of the hour is such an initiative which can do away with such a dependency.
To know more about the program as well as to get a close look at the vehicle itself, watch this video.