GM’s betting its hydrogen fuel cells will revolutionize electric generators
They’re mobile and could charge EVs and military camps
Story byIoanna Lykiardopoulou
Ioanna is a writer at TNW. She covers the full spectrum of the European tech ecosystem, with a particular interest in startups, sustainabili(show all)Ioanna is a writer at TNW. She covers the full spectrum of the European tech ecosystem, with a particular interest in startups, sustainability, green tech, AI, and EU policy. With a background in the humanities, she has a soft spot for social impact-enabling technologies.
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1. The Mobile Power Generator for EV charging
In collaboration withRenewable Innovations, GM’s planning to show off in mid-2022 an MPG-powered mobile fast-charging station for EVs.
That way, places wherethere’s only a temporary need for power, wouldn’t have to expand to expand the grid or permanently install charging assets.
The project was co-funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the U.S. Army, while the California Energy Commission is funding a separate program to explore how the MPGs could help provide energy during power shutdowns.
2. The EMPOWER rapid charger
Again in partnership with Renewable Innovations, GM’s developing a mobile rapid charger, which could deliver fast EV charging to existing retail charging stations without the need for huge infrastructure improvements.
According to the company, the EMPOWER can fast-charge four EVs at the same time, reaching full charging within approximately 20 minutes. It could potentially juice up more than 100 electric vehicles, beforethe unit would need to be resupplied withhydrogen.
Renewable Innovations plans to deploy 500 EMPOWER rapid chargers across the US by the end of 2025.
3. The palletized Mobile Power Generator for the army
GM is also designing a palletized version of the MPG that couldpower heavy-duty military equipment and camps.
The prototype is said toproduce nearly 70% more power than traditional diesel generators, and contains features like battery backup and output regulation, which aren’t on diesel generators.
The tech is currently under evaluation by theU.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC).
Potential future applications
GM says that, ultimately, these fuel cell generators could replace gas and diesel generators atworksites, buildings, movie sets, data centers, outdoor concerts, and festivals.
They could evenback up or temporarily replace grid-sourced electricity for residential and small commercial enterprises at times of power shutdowns.
Does GM’s hydrogen strategy make sense?
Yes, it absolutely does.
GM is already running a number of HYDROTEC projects, ranging from trucks to aerospace and locomotive, so it seems like a natural step to expand the commercial applications of its technology.
Aside from that, moving the hydrogen focus beyond transportation seems like a timely and smart move. There’s a growing demand from the entire energy sector to move to renewables and, in turn, a whole lot of market opportunities in facilitating this transition.
