GM's Fuel Cells Help Fleets Meet Changing Regulations and Sustainability Goals

GM is committed to zero tailpipe emissions vehicles and applications. From lithium-ion batteries to hydrogen fuel cells, GM aims to help other companies integrate these solutions into their business operations. 

GM's latest fuel cell-related project is a hydrogen-based worksite ecosystem, centered around its fleet of medium-duty fuel cell trucks. With funding from the Department of Energy's SuperTruck 3 program and the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, GM is leading a pilot program that demonstrates real-life applications of fuel cells for fleet and commercial customers. 

The field evaluation fleet trucks are built on a similar frame to the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 5500 MD and are powered by HYDROTEC fuel cell systems. The prototype trucks are expected to have a GM-estimated range greater than 300 miles and a 19,500-pound gross vehicle weight rating. The trucks operate in a native 800V architecture and can produce more than 300kW peak power.

Southern Company, one of the United States' largest utility companies, will receive HYDROTEC fuel cell-powered medium-duty trucks to be used as shop vehicles at its worksites. Southern Company, together with GM and Nel ASA, will demonstrate an integrated hydrogen microgrid for fueling infrastructure, including a stationary fuel cell-based mobile power generator. Nel will provide the project with its advanced PEM electrolyzers, which can help create green hydrogen onsite. 

GM's HYDROTEC fuel cells can help fleet customers meet changing regulations in states like California, as well as help meet their own sustainability goals and potentially reduce fleet costs over time. GM Envolve was formed specifically to help fleets make the transition to electric and fuel cell vehicles.

This microgrid project, developed by Southern Company's electric subsidiary Georgia Power with approval by the Georgia Public Service Commission, is expected to be located at a Georgia power plant. GM's fuel cells will also help provide power for a 350kW fast charger for medium-duty battery electric vehicles and resilient power for the site. 

The U.S. Army's Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) is supporting the development of the fuel cell propulsion systems in these medium-duty trucks with additional funding. 

The initial field evaluation fleet prototypes were built in Southeastern Michigan, with testing taking place at GM's Milford Proving Ground.