GM Fuel Cell Fleet Tops 3 Million Miles

General Motors’ fleet of fuel cell vehicles has passed 3 million miles of hydrogen-powered, real-world driving, avoiding 157,894 gallons of gasoline consumption, GM estimates.

Some individual vehicles have accumulated more than 120,000 miles.

The fleet of Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles is part of GM’s 119-vehicle Project Driveway program, which launched in 2007.

Last year, GM announced two fuel cell-related collaborations. In July 2013, GM and Honda announced a long-term collaboration to co-develop next-generation fuel cell and hydrogen storage systems, aiming for potential commercialization in the 2020 time frame. In addition, GM and Honda are working together with stakeholders to further advance refueling infrastructure.

Also last year GM opened a Fuel Cell Development Laboratory at GM Powertrain World Headquarters in Pontiac, Mich. In September 2013 GM and the US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development & Engineering Center (TARDEC) jointly announced an expansion of their relationship for testing automotive fuel cell technology.

According to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index, GM ranked No. 1 in total fuel cell patents granted in 2013, and continues to lead all companies in total fuel cell patents granted since 2002.