No one can deny General Motors' willingness to lessen the burden on Mother Nature by building more eco-friendly vehicles. You just have to
look at innovations like Displacement on Demand as well as production of hybrid and E85-compatible models. Four years ago, the world's largest automaker challenged itself to completely reinvent the automobile. The first concrete result was showcased at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. The Chevrolet Sequel concept was described as "the most technologically advanced automobile ever built". This week, GM announced a driveable version of this five-passenger crossover SUV. "We're proving that advanced technology can remove the automobile from the environmental debate and reduce our dependence on petroleum," said Larry Burns, GM vice president, research & development and strategic planning. "Chevy Sequel clearly shows that our vision for the future of the automobile is real and sustainable."The Sequel is the first vehicle in the world to successfully integrate a hydrogen fuel cell driving system with a host of advanced technologies such
as steer-and brake-by-wire controls, wheel hub motors, lithium-ion batteries and lightweight all-aluminum body and structure. Its skateboard-like platform houses the main propulsion, braking and chassis components. Above all, it runs on clean, renewable hydrogen and emits only water vapor. Compared to other fuel cell vehicles, the Sequel is reportedly quicker, more sure-footed and easier to handle and to build. It has an unprecedented range of 300 miles between fill-ups and, thanks to 70 % more torque, takes only 10 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph.