The Hy-wire, short for Hydrogen drive-by-wire, is a concept car from General Motors first introduced in January 2002. It runs on hydrogen fuel cells, and everything that moves it — including the steering and throttle — is controlled electronically rather than through mechanical linkages.
General Motors Hy-wire at a glance
| Introduced | January 2002 |
|---|---|
| Type | concept car |
| Energy | hydrogen fuel cell |
| Fuel cell output | 94 kW continuous, up to 129 kW for short periods |
| Hydrogen storage | three compressed tanks in the chassis |
| Motor | single three-phase electric motor |
| Layout | flat skateboard chassis |
| Controls | drive-by-wire, cameras instead of mirrors, LCD displays |
| Weight | 1,814 kg (4,000 lb) |
| Top speed | 160 km/h (100 mph) |
| Name | chosen by a school child in a GM competition |
| 2003 prediction | commercially viable model by 2010 |
Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the General Motors Hy-wire, which also describes the 2002 fuel-cell skateboard programme that older posts on this site filed under the AUTOnomy chassis concept.
History of the General Motors Hy-wire
January 2002: a car named by children
The Hy-wire was introduced by General Motors in January 2002. GM asked school children to name the car, and one of them suggested “Hy-wire”, from hydrogen and drive-by-wire. In 2003 the company stated that it was confident it could produce a commercially viable model by 2010.
Skateboard chassis
Because the car uses a hydrogen fuel cell, the conventional layout was revamped. Without an engine block and transmission coupled to the steering column and pedals through mechanical linkage, the power system and the single electric motor are built into a flat skateboard configuration. That lowers the centre of gravity and, more importantly, standardizes the drivetrain: the whole propulsion and energy storage package sits in the skateboard, so designers are free to arrange the passenger compartment as they wish. The same drive system could carry a four-door sedan, a minivan or even a small bus, the only difference being the shape of the upper body and the seat positions. The skateboard contains crumple zones similar to those of conventional cars.
Controls without a steering column
Drive-by-wire, cameras instead of mirrors and several LCD displays for feedback theoretically allow the driver’s seat to be located anywhere. The controls are coupled to the drive system rather than fixed in place, so neither the seat nor the steering and throttle need to stay put. The 2003 concept had a single control interface that could be operated from either front seat, and the 2004 design put the two front seats on a rotating platform, letting the driver and passenger swap places or letting the driver sit ahead of the passenger.
Powerplant
The fuel cell produces 94 kW continuously and up to 129 kW for short periods. Hydrogen comes from three compressed tanks located in the chassis, and with its three-phase electric motor the 1,814 kg vehicle reaches 160 km/h.
Design and features
- Skateboard chassis: all propulsion and energy storage in a flat floor, with crumple zones built in.
- Drive-by-wire: no mechanical link between the controls and the wheels.
- Flexible cabin: the same chassis could take anything from a sedan to a small bus.
- Cameras and screens: mirrors are replaced by cameras and LCD displays.
- Hydrogen fuel cell: 94 kW continuous, 129 kW peak, fed from three chassis-mounted tanks.
General Motors Hy-wire versions
- 2002 Hy-wire: the original running concept.
- 2003 concept: one control interface usable from either front seat.
- 2004 concept: front seats on a rotating platform so driver and passenger can swap.
The EN-V took GM’s electric urban ideas in a different direction, and the pre-war Futurliners showed how the company demonstrated technology on the road. More General Motors history is in the General Motors collection.
Sources
- General Motors Hy-wire, English Wikipedia: introduction, chassis, controls, powerplant
.jpg){kind=link}
