GM shows off fuel-cell trucks

May 7, 2008
LAS VEGAS. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell SUVs were among the broad lineup of alternative-fuel vehicles General Motors Fleet and Commercial Operation (FCO) offered to fleet customers and dealers during a weeklong ride-and-drive event here

LAS VEGAS. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell SUVs were among the broad lineup of alternative-fuel vehicles General Motors Fleet and Commercial Operation (FCO) offered to fleet customers and dealers during a weeklong ride-and-drive event here.

The modified Equinox SUVs are part of a 100-vehicle fuel-cell fleet currently undergoing field and customer testing to develop commercial versions of the technology the company said delivers the equivalent of 100 to 150 MPG with no tailpipe or greenhouse emissions.

On a more practical level, the company also had 29 commercially available vehicles on hand for test drives, including E85 ethanol “FlexFuel” vans and pickups as well as its new for 2009 diesel-electric “two-mode” hybrid Silverado/Sierra full-size pickup.

GM has already spent over $1 billion developing fuel-cell technology, which represents the “endgame” in efforts to move away from petroleum-based vehicle fuels, according to John Gaydash, FCO director of marketing. Efforts “over the next five years to create an infrastructure [for hydrogen fueling] will shape the next 50 years,” he said.

The best near-term solution, Gaydash told the group, is ethanol derived from non-grain biomass sources. Biodiesel and diesel-electric hybrids represent the next steps on the road to significantly lowering petroleum consumption, he said.

Commercial vehicle highlights from the ride-and-drive event included a new Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana 4500 cutaway chassis that is expected to go into production later this summer. Offered with both a Duromax 6.6L V8 diesel and 6.0L Vortec V8 gasoline engine, the new cutaway features a 14,200-lb. GVW and payloads up to 9,050 lbs.

At the lighter end, the midsize Chevrolet Canyon/GMC Colorado was shown with a variety of bodies for vocational chores previously handled by GM’s discontinued midsize cargo van.

View more Fleet Owner news relating to idle reduction, fuel conservation, fuel economy and diesel fuel prices.

About the Author

Jim Mele

Jim Mele is a former longtime editor-in-chief of FleetOwner. He joined the magazine in 1986 and served as chief editor from 1999 to 2017. 

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Boost truck leasing profits with telematics insights! Reduce maintenance costs, improve uptime, and strengthen customer relationships. Learn how data drives success.
This free guide outlines simple steps for hiring and onboarding commercial drivers while ensuring that you meet Regulation Part 391 and maintain fully compliant driver qualification...
Ready to boost fleet efficiency by up to 50%? Learn how AI-powered dispatch and next-gen tech are transforming TMS workflows, improving driver planning, and streamlining operations...
Gain a strategic edge in today’s evolving fleet landscape. Join us to explore how fuel cards are helping fleet managers cut costs, enhance control, and prepare for an electrified...