GM is developing new commercial applications for its Hydrotec fuel cell technology.
Along with heavy-duty vehicles and locomotives, it will be utilized in a mobile power generator to assist gas stations in offering low-cost direct current charging without expanding the grid.
GM announces three products in total in the release: A mobile power generator (or MPG for short) placed on a trailer is designed to provide off-grid electric car charging stations — for example, at events.
The second gadget, dubbed ‘Empower,’ will be deployed in a fixed location and will enable quick charging when the grid connection is weak. Thus, petrol stations, for example, should be able to offer fast-charging points “without substantial investment” in grid infrastructure.
The third device is an MPG mounted on a military pallet. The MPG, GM believes, should be capable of powering military storage installations “quietly and effectively” if an external hydrogen storage facility is available.
Each of the three units has a capacity of between 60 and 600 kW. Renewable Innovations of Lindon, Utah, will construct the MPGs, with GM supplying the so-called power cubes. Renewable Innovations then integrates the General Motors fuel cells with its own energy management and integration solutions.