General Motors and Honda have decided to sign a definitive long term agreement to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology that will power their vehicles from 2020. The announcement follows a similar agreement signed by Ford, Nissan and Daimler in January.
Alternative fuel technology has been a key focus area for auto manufacturers around the world. GM first tested its fuel cells 50 years ago and has put almost three million miles onto its fuel cell test fleet ever since. Honda has also developed advanced H2 technologies and according to GM vice chairman Steven Girsky, the technologies developed by the two companies complement each other.
Fuel cell technology is one that calls for extensive investment and it will be easier to reduce these costs in partnership. This logic is what provokes many auto manufacturers to work in unison to develop fuel cell technology.
Currently, Honda leases its fuel cell driven car named the FCX Clarity in California for USD 600 (Rs 36,100) a month. The consortium also plans to invest on developing hydrogen infrastructure in the US along with other car manufacturers and similar plans have been established for Japan and Europe as well.
Source: AutoblogGreen
