General Motor’s latest fuel-cell related project has been awarded funding from the US Department of Energy’s SuperTruck 3 program, and the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office.
The automaker’s project is a hydrogen-based worksite ecosystem, centred around its fleet of medium duty fuel cell trucks and supporting infrastructure.
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It says it is spearheading a pilot program demonstrates real life applications of fuel cells for fleet and commercial customers.
Built on a similar frame to the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 5500 MD, these field evaluation fleet trucks will be powered by HYDROTEC fuel cell systems.
The prototype trucks are expected to have a GM-estimated range greater than 300 miles and a 19,500-pound gross vehicle weight rating. The trucks operate in a native 800V architecture and can produce more than 300kW peak power.
Southern Company (one of the United States’ largest utility companies), together with GM and Nel ASA, will also demonstrate an integrated hydrogen microgrid for fuelling infrastructure, including a stationary fuel cell-based mobile power generator.
Nel, a world-leading electrolyser company, will provide the project with its advanced PEM electrolyzers, which can help create green hydrogen onsite.
Southern Company, one of the United States’ largest utility companies, will receive HYDROTEC fuel cell-powered medium duty trucks to be used as shop vehicles at its worksites.
Charlie Freese, executive director of global HYDROTEC said: “GM’s advanced fuel cell technology gives these trucks a competitive edge against their diesel counterparts, with comparable towing and payload capabilities.”
The microgrid project, developed by Southern Company’s electric subsidiary Georgia Power with approval by the Georgia Public Service Commission, is expected to be located at a Georgia power plant
The initial field evaluation fleet prototypes were built in Southeastern Michigan, with testing taking place at GM’s Milford Proving Ground.
