Revealed in 1966, the GM Electrovan celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2016. As
the world’s first hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle, the Electrovan is the
spiritual predecessor of models such as the Hyundai Tucson FCV. Five decades
later, the Electrovan continues to be regarded as the concept car that got the
FCV ball rolling.
Floyd Wyczalek, now 92 years old, was the project
manager of General Motors’ fuel cell development program. He headed a team of
200-something people. With that much manpower, everything went as planned.
50 years since, General Motors has invested more
than US$ 2.5 billion in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Considering that it all
started with a hydrogen-powered fuel cell van based on the GMC Handi-Van, the
GM Electrovan is a very impressive feat. Located beneath the floor we find 32
fuel cell modules, which supply a continuous output of 32 kW and a peak output
of 160 kW.
Tipping the scales at 3,220
kilograms, the 1966 General Motors Electrovan is so heavy due to its cryogenic
hydrogen and oxygen tanks, as well as its electrolyte reservoir. No less than
45 gallons of potassium hydroxide fill the modules, piping, and reservoir, but
be that as it may, the Electrovan prides itself on admirable specifications for
an experiment.
Top speed? 112 km/h. 0 to 96 km/h? 30 seconds or thereabout. As for range, General Motors rated it at 241 kilometers, which is not bad at all considering that the Toyota
Mirai manages roughly double the range (502 kilometers).
The GM Electrovan was mostly forgotten after the
project ended. Left for dead in a Michigan warehouse for 31 years, the
Electrovan was rediscovered in 2001. Now, everyone can admire the
original hydrogen fuel cell vehicle at the GM Heritage Center in Sterling
Heights, Michigan.
