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When we last told you about the progress GM had made with the Chevrolet Volt, the company had awarded two contracts for advanced development of lithium-ion batteries for its E-Flex electric drive architecture. GM is now taking the next step to begin volume production of a fuel-cell powered Volt due out around 2010.

The company said on Friday that it is moving about 400 fuel cell experts from its advanced development laboratories to its Powertrain group. According to Automotive News they will work on the engineering to produce high complex fuel cell stacks in large numbers.

Plans consist of another 100 fuel cell experts that will join GM’s Global Product Development team where they will be responsible to put fuel-cell powertrains into future cars.

GM unveiled the second variant of the E-Flex system at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show. The new E-Flex system uses GM’s fifth-generation fuel cell propulsion technology and a lithium-ion battery to provide up to 300 miles of petroleum- and emissions-free electric driving.

Seems like we’re getting closer and closer to Bob Lutz’s promise. Cross your fingers.

 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

[tags]Cars, Car, Auto, Automobile, Vehicles, Technology, Auto News, News, Chevrolet, Volt, GM, fuel cells[/tags]

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