Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Crossover

For years now, auto manufacturers have been developing experimental vehicles that contain a fuel cell. Typically, the fuel cell is used to convert hydrogen into electricity, which then operates the vehicle. Most of those experimental fuel-cell vehicles were exhibited at auto shows and other events, driven briefly by a handful of dignitaries, celebrities, government leaders, and media people. A tiny number wound up in the hands of government agencies or other organizations for longer-term trials.


Honda took the next step with its FCX Clarity, making the second-generation version of its compact fuel-cell passenger vehicle available to as many as 200 families over a three-year period. Those Honda vehicles are leased rather than purchased, but they're providing valuable information based on everyday driving.

Project Driveway

Chevrolet has followed up with Project Driveway, using a hydrogen-powered version of its compact Equinox crossover SUV. Instead of the usual gasoline engine, this Equinox contains on-board hydrogen storage tanks, a fuel cell that converts hydrogen into electricity, and an electric motor to drive the front wheels. Chevrolet planned to make more than a hundred Equinox Fuel Cell Vehicles available to regular customers, along with selected celebrities.


Thousands of environmentally concerned folks made inquiries through the Project Driveway website or contacted a Chevrolet dealer, to see if they might live in one of the three study areas. Chevrolet decided to make vehicles available in three places: the Los Angeles area, New York City (and suburbs), and Washington D.C. The program got underway in October 2007, and vehicles began to arrive at customers' doorsteps early in 2008.


Each of the hundred recipients of a vehicle typically gets it for three months, though a few are loaned for as long as 30 months. Participating motorists and their families provide regular feedback on their experiences, to Chevrolet.

Shell Hydrogen

Free use of hydrogen, to make electricity on-board, is included with the vehicle loan. Shell Hydrogen is a partner in the Project Driveway project, but refueling stations are far from numerous. Several exist in southern California, but hydrogen is not readily available in most parts of the country. In November 2007, the first hydrogen refueling station in New York, at White Plains; opened its doors–intended to be the first of six. It's part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project.


Project Driveway vehicles look little different from regular-production Equinox models, and Chevrolet wanted them to be just as easy to drive. Three carbon-fiber cylinder tanks, pressurized to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi), go under the rear seats and cargo area. They contain about 9 pounds of hydrogen. The fuel-cell system fits within the conventional engine compartment. A nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack, which stores energy from the regenerative braking system, sits under the floor at the center of the vehicle.


Extra cooling air inlets at lower corners of the front fascia are among the few noticeable differences. Instead of the customary exhaust pipe, the rear fascia under the bumper has four thin vertical slits, which release the clean water vapor emissions. Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are petroleum-free and emissions-free, putting out nothing other than plain water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies this Equinox as a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV).