Fast-charge An EV In Twenty Minutes With GM's New Fuel Cell-based Generators
General Motors has developed a new range of hydrogen fuel cells to be used for fast-charging electric vehicles (EVs). With these HYDRO TEC fuel cells, US-based Renewable Innovations is building fixed and mobile EV charging stations.
Simply put, the HYDRO TEC power cube is a hydrogen fuel cell, a device that generates electricity from chemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen. Fuel cells don’t produce any emissions in their operation except water that can be reused in other applications.
GM and Renewable Innovations’ Mobile Power Generator, or MPG, can be carried in a semi truck to any location to charge EVs. It has already been demonstrated during the October 2021 Re belle Rally, it is expected to be used in California where parts of the power grid are strategically shut off to mitigate wildfires.
On the other hand, 'Empower' fixed EV charging stations can be installed at petrol stations for fast-charging electric cars. Each Empower generator can charge up to four EVs simultaneously at 150kW, and up to 100 cars before it needs more hydrogen. GM and Renewable Innovations expect to install 500 such Empower charging stations in the US by 2026.
The smallest HYDRO TEC based generator is powered by a single fuel cell cube, and it makes almost 70 percent more electricity than a similarly-sized 60kW diesel generator. It also offers battery backup and controls to change the power output based on need. The generator was developed for military applications, such as powering electrical equipment at campsites.
In the future, GM intends to scale up the HYDRO TEC generator to provide electricity in construction sites, buildings, outdoor concerts and festivals. These hydrogen fuel cell generators can potentially replace diesel power generators across the US and in other countries.
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 HYDRO TEC 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 4 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.
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