GM Intros Next Version of E-Flex Architecture for Chevrolet Volt

April 30, 2007

The E-Flex system is an all-electric production vehicle architecture that can be configured to run on electricity from a number of sources, according to GM. It was first shown in the Chevrolet Volt concept vehicle. The Volt is a battery electric vehicle with 40 miles of all-electric range and uses a small biofuel engine with a generator to extend its range to 640 miles.

The fuel cell E-Flex is a zero emission vehicle (ZEV) and operates all-electric from both hydrogen fuel cell-generated electricity and grid electricity. It is plug-in capable, adding up to 20 additional miles each time it is charged, said GM.

The company said that the fifth-generation fuel cell system is half the size of its predecessor but provides the same power and performance. The fourth generation powers the Chevrolet Sequel concept vehicle, which stores 8 kilograms of hydrogen and delivers a range of 300 miles. The fuel cell Volt will also deliver 300 miles of range but with only 4 kilograms of hydrogen.

"The beauty of our E-Flex strategy is that it allows us to package various propulsion systems into the same space depending on what energy is available locally," said Larry Burns, GM vice president of R&D and strategic planning. "It also provides flexibility in the sources of energy. We can obtain hydrogen or electricity from a myriad of renewable sources - wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and biofuels - or from traditional sources such as natural gas, clean coal, nuclear or even gasoline.

"E-Flex provides flexibility in two ways: in the propulsion systems that can be used, and in the sources of energy that can be commercialized to compete with oil and meet global transportation growth in a sustainable way," Burns said.

According to GM, independent studies indicate that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer superior overall efficiency and fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared with internal combustion engines running on gasoline.

"Our progress has made us increasingly confident that our fuel cell propulsion system will be automotive-competitive," said Burns. "But before this technology can be made widely available, governments, energy suppliers and infrastructure companies around the world need to collaborate with GM and the auto industry to develop a market for fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen fuel."

Source: General Motors Corp.