Hydrocars— and the power plants that will run them— are coming to Michigan.
Fuel cell stacks will be built in Brownstown Twp. by a joint venture of GM and Honda. The two companies say they will begin producing the fuel cell systems by the year 2020 at the plant where GM currently makes battery packs for hybrid and electric cars. The venture will create 70 new jobs at the plant, according to the state of Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which approved a $2 million grant for the project.
The fuel cell is being developed by GM and Honda engineering teams.
Another important component— the hydrogen fuel tank— is being developed independently. The tank is especially important and expensive, because hydrogen must be stored under great pressure. Development is progressing faster than expected. The next challenge: bringing the cost down.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles— hydrocars— emit only water.