TOPIC 'Ecological Vehicles, Motors & Fuels' on Oct 15, 2008 (CEST)
NASCAR Champions Test Drive Chevy’s New Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car
 Four-time NASCAR Championship driver Jeff Gordon, his teammate two-time NASCAR Championship driver Jimmie Johnson, and Johnson’s crew chief, Chad Knaus, had an opportunity recently to test drive the new Chevrolet technology. It is very different from the R07 technology they utilize when driving their Impala SS vehicles on race day.
The three NASCAR veterans were able to take part in “Project Driveway,” Chevrolet’s first test of its hydrogen-powered cars with a sizeable number of participants and on a grand scale. A short educational seminar and introduction to the new Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell car preceded the drivers being handed the keys to take it for a test drive.
Cars using hydrogen fuel cells don’t use any gasoline and don’t give off any emissions besides a water vapor. The Equinox Fuel Cell car is not currently for sale, but the technology is being test-marketed and refined so that one day soon, it might be an option for the average consumer. The Chevy Equinox utilizes the latest technology available and takes into consideration all the testing that has gone before it. This model has the ability to reach up to 100 mph with a smooth acceleration. It is also designed to run quietly.
NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson said he was impressed with its torque and its power. He said he didn’t notice any difference between the hydrogen fuel cell version and a normal car. He seemed to be really impressed with the exhaust which he felt and looked at, almost unable to believe it was really only a mix of cool water and air.
NASCAR crew chief Chad Knaus noted that 240 pounds of torque was pretty amazing for a car on the street. The acceleration, he said, was great. The quietness of the car was going to take a little getting used to as he was used to hearing the engine more. The power of one of these vehicles is run through a three-phase engine, he observed, rather than a transmission.
NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon thought the new technology was “very cool.” He said he was very excited to see GM actually get these cars on the road. As soon as hydrogen refueling stations can be created en masse, or another suitable solution can be found, these cars are going to be ready to roll. Gordon thought it was a smooth ride that was very quiet and drove like a “regular” car. The fact that it can operate as good as it does AND it is environmentally friendly is awesome.
Sherry Irvin
on behalf of the
BascoTec Internet Limited
Technologie Park 13
33100 Paderborn
Germany
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