In the race toward sustainable transportation, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) are gaining momentum. But did you know that the first hydrogen-powered vehicle was built nearly 60 years ago? General Motors (GM) unveiled the Electrovan in 1966, marking a groundbreaking moment in automotive history.
The Birth of the Electrovan
In the early 1960s, GM engineers were exploring alternatives to gasoline-powered cars. Inspired by NASA’s use of fuel cells in the Gemini space program, GM’s team, led by Dr. Craig Marks, set out to build a hydrogen-powered vehicle. The result was the Electrovan, a modified GMC Handivan that became the world’s first fuel cell vehicle.
How It Worked
Unlike modern FCEVs, which use compressed hydrogen gas, the Electrovan relied on cryogenic liquid hydrogen and oxygen, stored in massive tanks inside the vehicle. The fuel cell stack, supplied by Union Carbide, generated electricity through an electrochemical reaction, powering a 32 kW motor.
However, the technology was far from practical:
– The fuel cell system took up most of the van’s interior, leaving room for only two passengers.
– The hydrogen and oxygen tanks were extremely heavy, reducing efficiency.
– The vehicle had a limited range (about 150 miles) and took a long time to refuel.
Why the Electrovan Was Ahead of Its Time
Despite its limitations, the Electrovan was a revolutionary prototype:
– It proved that hydrogen fuel cells could power a vehicle—decades before Toyota’s Mirai or Hyundai’s Nexo.
– It laid the foundation for GM’s later fuel cell research, including the HydroGen series and the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 military truck.
– It demonstrated the potential of zero-emission vehicles long before climate change became a global concern.
The Electrovan’s Legacy
GM shelved the Electrovan after its initial testing, citing high costs and infrastructure challenges. The prototype was nearly forgotten until the early 2000s, when GM restored it for display at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Today, hydrogen fuel cell technology is making a comeback, with automakers and governments investing in green hydrogen infrastructure. The Electrovan’s story reminds us that innovation often starts with bold experiments—even if they take decades to mature.
Final Thoughts
The Electrovan was more than just a prototype; it was a vision of the future. As hydrogen-powered vehicles re-enter the spotlight, GM’s pioneering work serves as a testament to the power of early innovation. Who knows? The next big breakthrough in clean transportation might already be in development—just waiting for its moment.
References: https://drivinghydrogen.com/2025/03/14/the-story-of-the-first-hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicle-gms-electrovan/
