Bronx Shell Hydrogen Open

Even if most automakers are completely convinced that the future of the electric auto industry stands in batteries, there are still people with different approaches. A Shell Hydrogen station was just opened in Bronx, so users of the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles now have a third location in New York City where they can fill-up their cars.

General Motors, Shell Hydrogen and the Department of Sanitation in New York City have engaged in a project to see if fuel cell cars can really be the way to the future. “Project Driveway” has another two Shell Hydrogen filling stations: one in White Plains and one at the JFK International Airport on Long Island.

“In many ways, this cluster of stations represents what is needed on a wider scale to make hydrogen-powered vehicles viable as alternative transportation in this country,” said Charles Freese, GM executive director of Fuel Cell Activities.

"The development of hydrogen fueling stations and fuel cell vehicles will bring our nation one step closer towards a sustainable and energy independent future,” said Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty. “This very important project complements our Department's initiatives and Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC."

At this moment, GM is working on making fuel cell cars work better. The second generation fuel cell system will be 220 pounds lighter and about half the size, compared to the system now used in the Equinox FCEV. The system will be ready for production in 2015.