23.4.2004
Opel Fuel Cell Marathon – an endurance run for HydroGen 3

By staging a unique marathon drive across Europe, GM is getting ready to test the durability and day-to-day reliability of fuel cell propelled vehicles.

The long-distance journey for the hydrogen-powered prototype, "HydroGen3" (based on the Opel Zafira) will cover a distance of around 10,000 kilometers and will pass through 14 countries.

The marathon will be divided into 20 stages covering an average of 500 km a day, starting on May 3, 2004, in Hammerfest (Norway), Europe's most northerly town. The "Opel Fuel Cell Marathon – powered by GM" will finish on June 11 in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of the European continent.

The vehicle is propelled by a 60 kW/82 hp electric motor, with a fuel cell generating the necessary electrical energy from liquid hydrogen stored in the on-board tank. During its unusual journey, the HydroGen3 with its pioneering fuel cell propulsion concept will stop over in 14 cities, where interested spectators will be able to experience the car first hand.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit a traveling exhibition to learn about fuel cell propulsion and the use of hydrogen as a fuel. In addition, experts from GM's fuel cell development center will give lectures on the current status of fuel cell and hydrogen technology at local universities.

Journalists and celebrities will drive the HydroGen3 from the 14 countries. Dr. Byron McCormick, the Executive Director of GM Fuel Cell Activities, says, "The choice of drivers demonstrates that our experiment is taking place under abso-lutely realistic conditions. The experience we will gain from the day-to-day driv-ing of the car will be an important supplement to our existing test results."