With Fuel Cell 'Skateboard' GM Aims at Reinventing Automobile

It may be years away from market, but on Monday General Motors (GM) showed the public what it’s betting will be the next generation of automobiles – the AUTOnomy concept vehicle.

Resembling a giant skateboard, GM believes that the six-inch thick, 14-foot long, six-foot wide and virtually featureless AUTOnomy has the potential to be a catalyst in a revolution to change automobiles – one that combines innovative fuel cell propulsion and “drive-by-wire” technology.

The AUTOnomy platform will act as a chassis or docking station for the body of a variety of vehicles. The hydrogen-powered fuel cell system will be squeezed into the “skateboard” chassis and will power four motors, one for each wheel. The drive-by-wire technology will make it possible to operate the steering, braking and other systems electronically, making heavy mechanical components obsolete. The electrical wiring will be encased in the chassis.

GM stated that in theory the chassis could be made to last 15 to 20 years, with owners replacing the vehicle body as their needs and style change. Because many barriers stand in the way of mass producing a vehicle based on the AUTOnomy concept including reliable and safe on-board hydrogen storage, refueling structure for hydrogen, and many safety concerns, GM has made 2020 its target date for manufacturing the first vehicles.

Twenty-four patents are being sought related to the AUTOnomy concept to cover business models, technologies, and manufacturing processes. Because it would be powered by fuel cells running on hydrogen, the main emissions from the concept would be water and heat, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to more polluting internal combustion engines.

GM unveiled the new concept this week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.