GM Believes Fuel Cell Generators Could Provide Faster Charging For EVs

General Motors has been one of the pioneers of electric powertrains with the Bolt EV. In 2021, it doubled down on the electric powertrain with the Hummer EV, and recently at the CES trade show, it even revealed the Silverado EV which will be its latest mass-market electric play. But with all the focus on electric cars, GM hasn't abandoned fuel cell technology. It is already harnessing its power for trucking, aerospace, and even for locomotives, but now it is adapting this technology for hydro tech-based power generators which it believes could help with an electric car fast charging.

It has developed the second generation hydrotec fuel cell power cubes which will include a mobile power generator that can enable fast charging for electric cars without the need for permanent charging points. An Empower rapid charger can help retail fuel stations offer affordable DC fast charging without expanding the grid. The Empower rapid charging station which is based on these fuel cell cubes can charge four cars with 150 kW simultaneously within 20 minutes. A rapid charger with a full tank of hydrogen can potentially charge 100 EVs before needing a refill, GM estimates. That's why Empower rapid chargers are expected across the US - with 500 being there by the end of 2025.

The mobile charging station can charge 4 cars at 150 kW speeds simultaneously

It can even be used to power military camps quietly and efficiently.

"Our vision of an all-electric future is broader than just passenger vehicles or even transportation. 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," said Charlie Freese, GM executive director of the global HYDROTEC business.

GM believes that these generators could eventually replace petrol and diesel-burning generators, resulting in fewer emissions while also acting as a backup for grid-based energy. The hydrotech based generators have zero emissions and a power output ranging from 60 kW to 600 kW along with low noise and heat signatures.

The MPG can be used by even the US army

It is already supplying these power cubes to Renewable innovations of Lindon in Utah to build a mobile power generator (MPG) which will provide fast charging capabilities for EVs. There are also many development projects for these MPGs that are funded, for example, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicles systems center. The first version of the MPG will be demoed in 2022.

Even the California Energy Commission is funding a separate demonstration program for an additional four MPGs via its Mobile Renewable Backup Generations Program. This program intends to find out how hydrogen-based mobile power can help offset the loss of energy during planned power shutoffs used to mitigate wildfires that have been rampant in the state.