Image: General Motors
General Motors Co. on Wednesday announced plans for electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers and mobile power generators (MPGs) powered by its hydrogen fuel cell technology, known as HYDROTEC.
In addition to HYDROTEC-powered retail DC fast-charging stations for EVs, GM will be working on MPGs capable of providing fast-charging for EVs outside of permanent charge points and functioning as power generators for commercial applications. The veteran automaker also has plans for a palletized MPG for military use.
All of these projects will be powered by GM’s Generation 2 HYDROTEC fuel cell power cubes.
GM has partnered with Lindon, Utah-based Renewable Innovations for the generators. Renewable Innovations plans to install 500 Empower rapid chargers at gas stations and in popular travel corridors across the U.S. by the end of 2025.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is nowhere near as efficient as some other forms of power generation, but it is certainly more efficient than combustion engines and produces zero emissions, which means it still has its applications.
GM’s fuel cell generators could ultimately replace gas and diesel generators with fewer emissions at worksites, buildings, movie sets, data centers, outdoor concerts, and festivals, said the company.
They could also serve as a backup or temporarily replace grid-sourced electricity for residential and small commercial applications during a power outage.
“Our vision of an all-electric future is broader than just passenger vehicles or even transportation,” said Charlie Freese, Executive Director of GM’s global Hydrotec business, in a statement.
“Our energy platform expertise with Ultium vehicle architectures and propulsion components and Hydrotec fuel cells can expand access to energy across many different industries and users, while helping to reduce emissions often associated with power generation.”
According to GM, all of these HYDROTEC-based power generators will feature electric power generation output of 60-600 kilowatts, along with low noise and heat signatures.
GM and Renewable Innovations plan to deploy the generators in three applications: EV fast-charging stations, mobile power generators, and palletized mobile generators.
General Motors also has its own EV charging network in the U.S. and Canada, as part of the Ultium 360 integrated charging ecosystem. Back in October, GM promised to build 40,000 EV charging points in North America.
