Here's a quick breakdown of how the system works. Three carbon fibre fuel tanks store 4.2 kg (9.24 lb) of hydrogen at 700 bar (10,000 psi). A 35 kW battery pack (NiMH or nickel-metal hydride) assists the fuel cell and stores electricity from regenerative braking. The 3-phase asynchronous electric motor generates 73 kW (98 hp) of power (94 kW maximum (126 hp)) and torque of 320 NM (236 lb-ft).
As with all EVs, torque is plentiful and throttle response is near immediate. Once in drive, the Equinox carries on much like an RX 450h in EV mode: All is quiet and serene. The difference is once the pedal is depressed with insistence, silence remains but the miles-per-hour climb. There is no noticeable delay or hesitation in power delivery at any point.
The most obvious handicap, if you will, to the FC system is the extra weight that can be felt while driving. The Equinox FCV feels a little numb compared to the last previous-gen regular Equinox I drove a few years back. Steering is heavy and mass transfers are evident. This does not really negatively affect the drive in normal city circumstances, like those of my test-drive. In fact, the FCV just about floats over road surface irregularities.
I was unable to evaluate any accelerations times however, according to GM, the Equinox FCV accelerates to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 12 seconds from a standstill, will reach a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h) and has a range of up to 200 miles or 320 km. And, water vapours are the only end result of the combustion cycle. Perfect for every day driving.
The only issue here then, is hydrogen: how we get it and where we get. That is a whole other debate...
photo:Philippe Champoux
As with all EVs, torque is plentiful and throttle response is near immediate. Once in drive, the Equinox carries on much like an RX 450h in EV mode: All is quiet and serene. The difference is once the pedal is depressed with insistence, silence remains but the miles-per-hour climb. There is no noticeable delay or hesitation in power delivery at any point.
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The most obvious handicap, if you will, to the FC system is the extra weight that can be felt while driving. The Equinox FCV feels a little numb compared to the last previous-gen regular Equinox I drove a few years back. Steering is heavy and mass transfers are evident. This does not really negatively affect the drive in normal city circumstances, like those of my test-drive. In fact, the FCV just about floats over road surface irregularities.
I was unable to evaluate any accelerations times however, according to GM, the Equinox FCV accelerates to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 12 seconds from a standstill, will reach a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h) and has a range of up to 200 miles or 320 km. And, water vapours are the only end result of the combustion cycle. Perfect for every day driving.
The only issue here then, is hydrogen: how we get it and where we get. That is a whole other debate...
photo:Philippe Champoux
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