GM marks 50th anniversary of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles

General Motors is celebrating a golden anniversary. 

It’s been 50 years since GM tested the world’s first hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle. The Electrovan was a test vehicle to explore the possibility of using hydrogen as energy.

It took 200 people working three shifts for 10 months to create the Electrovan in 1966. 

Since then GM has invested more than $2.5 billion in hydrogen fuel cell technology.  GM’s latest leap forward in this technology is the Chevrolet Colorado ZH₂.  It’s an off-road midsize pickup. 

The Army will test the ZH₂ in extreme conditions next year.  GM says fuel cell systems could have a variety of uses in areas like the military and aerospace.  They continue to work toward bringing hydrogen fuel cell technology to a commercial vehicle.

As MotorWeek has seen over the years, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles have struggled to gain traction with the buying public. A lack of infrastructure (fueling stations) and the popularity of conventional gas/electric hybrids have made it tought going for FCEVs.