GM, Honda team up for hydrogen fuel-cell cars

GM and Honda have announced a long-term definitive “master agreement” to co-develop fuel cell system technology and hydrogen storage technologies with the goal of commercializing products within the 2020 timeframe.

The two auto makers announced an agreement on Tuesday to split the research dollars and man-hours to get more of the emissions-free vehicles on the roadways. Cost estimates for the project weren't disclosed. Fuel-cell vehicles have a reported driving range of as many as 400 miles before they need to be refueled.

The announcement ups the ante in the automotive world to find a breakthrough that will make the technology work and affordable. Almost every car maker is racing to develop fuel-cell technology partnerships so they can produce vehicles that comply with ever-stricter emissions regulations. Fuel-cell electric vehicles produce electricity from hydrogen and oxygen and are emissions-free, with the only byproduct being water vapor.

“This collaboration builds upon Honda and GM’s strengths as leaders in hydrogen fuel cell technology,” said Dan Akerson, GM chairman and CEO. “We are convinced this is the best way to develop this important technology, which has the potential to help reduce the dependence on petroleum and establish sustainable mobility.”

GM has been working with hydrogen fuel cell-powered extensively over the past decade and launched Project Driveway in 2007. That project has a fleet of 119 hydrogen-powered vehicles that have accumulated about 3,000,000 miles of real-world driving. Honda began leasing the Honda FCX in 2002 and has 85 units in use in the U.S. and Japan, including the FCX Clarity.