GM happy with fuel cells

BUFFALO: General Motors is 1.6 million kilometres into a fuel cell experiment and company officials say having everyday people drive a test fleet of pollution-free cars has convinced them they are on the right track.

The carmaker yesterday said it passed the 1.6 million kilometres-driven mark in its fuel cell Chevrolet Equinox vehicles, with about 5000 people rotating in and out of more than 100 cars over the past 25 months.

Supporters see the fuel cell becoming a mainstream, eco-friendly alternative to petrol-powered cars within the next decade. Powered by electricity, generated by a reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, the only emissions are wisps of water vapour.

The test programme will continue for five more months and then the cars will be pulled off the road and upgraded with technology developed while they have been in use.

- AP