For Release: August 7, 2001

Contact(s):

Scott Fosgard, GM Technology
Phone: (810) 986-0623 ; (810) 899-2582 (cell)
Email: scott.fosgard@gm.com

Bob Campbell, Hass Associates
Phone: (248) 528-0283; (248) 895-0791 (cell)
Email: rcampbell@ha-i.com

Traverse City, Mich. - The world's leading fuel cell just got better. The power density of General Motors' next-generation fuel cell stack is 25 percent greater than the stack used recently by GM's HydroGen1 to set 11 endurance records in 100-degree heat in Mesa, Ariz.

"To our knowledge, this stack is the new benchmark for fuel cell stack power density," said Larry Burns, GM's vice president for research and development, and planning.

Power density, or gravimetric efficiency, measures the stack's power output in kilowatts vs. its weight and volume.

"It's like comparing a 100-pound person lifting 500 pounds with a 200-pound person lifting 500 pounds," Burns explained. "While each lifter has the ability to move this massive load, the 100-pound lifter has twice the power density, packing the power into a smaller frame."

Reducing the size and weight of the fuel cell stack while maintaining or improving its power output is important for packaging, design and affordability. Smaller stacks create space for other components and allow their use in smaller vehicles and stationary units. They also require less material, providing an opportunity to further reduce cost.