GM Extends Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Range

SACRAMENTO, Calif. February 12, 2003; Dow Jones reports that General Motors Corp. completed the first successful vehicle test of a 10,000 PSI hydrogen storage system, allowing the company to increase the driving range of its compressed hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

General Motors developed the system with Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc., Irvine, Calif.

In a press release Wednesday, General Motors said it achieved the 10,000 PSI milestone, which extends the range of its HydroGen3 fuel cell vehicle by 60% to 70% compared to an equivalent-sized 5,000 PSI system, more than a year before the stated goal of other auto companies.

The TriShield tank design General Motors and Quantum Fuel use features a one- piece permeation-resistant seamless liner, a high-performance carbon composite over-wrap for strength and an impact-resistant outer shell.