Chevrolet Sequel

{{Infobox automobile

|image=Auto Show 068.jpg

|name=Chevrolet Sequel

|manufacturer=Chevrolet (General Motors)

|production= 2005 (auto show concept)
2006 (running concept)

|class=Full-size hybrid crossover SUV

|predecessor=

|body_style=5-door SUV

|platform=

|engine=Hydrogen fuel cell

|transmission=

|wheelbase={{convert|3040|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

|length={{convert|4994|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

|width=

|height=

|weight={{convert|2070|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}

|related=

}}

The Chevrolet Sequel was a purpose-built hydrogen fuel cell-powered concept car{{cite web |title=Sustainable transportation based on electric vehicle concepts: a brief overview |url=http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/Journals/EE/article.asp?doi=c001674h|last1=Eberle|first1=Ulrich|first2=Rittmar|last2=von Helmolt |publisher=Royal Society of Chemistry| website=rsc.org |date=2010-05-14| access-date=2010-06-08}} and sport utility vehicle from Chevrolet, employing the then-latest generation of General Motors' fuel cell technology.{{cite web|title=Fuel cell electric vehicles and hydrogen infrastructure: status 2012| url= https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233987484 |last1= Eberle| first1= Ulrich| first2= Bernd |last2= Mueller|first3=Rittmar|last3=von Helmolt|publisher= Royal Society of Chemistry| via= researchgate.net |date=2012-07-15| access-date=2013-01-08}}

The Sequel's powertrain included an electronic control unit and a fourth-generation version of GM's fuel-cell stack. The Sequel became the basis for the design of the gas-powered Chevrolet Traverse, which was the replacement for the Uplander minivan.

Characteristics

The Sequel's fuel-cell stack had a rated power output of {{cvt|73|kW}}, supplemented by a lithium-ion battery pack rated at {{cvt|65|kW}}. One {{cvt|65|kW}} electric motor drove the front wheels, and individual {{cvt|25|kW}} wheel-motors (outboard of the rear brakes) drove each rear wheel, providing total tractive power of {{cvt|115|kW}}.

The Sequel stored {{cvt|8|kg}} of gaseous hydrogen in three cylindrical, carbon-composite fuel tanks, pressurized to {{cvt|700|bar|psi}} and mounted longitudinally beneath the cabin floor. As a result, the range of the vehicle was more than {{cvt|480|km}}.

The Sequel was just short of five metres long (4,994 mm, 196.1 in.), on a similarly long (3,040 mm, 119.7 in.) wheelbase in order to accommodate the extremely long fuel tanks.

Possible production

GM made no commitment to building the Sequel. However, GM vice-chairman Bob Lutz has said he would push the company's strategy board to approve full production of a fuel-cell vehicle by 2011 model year. Due to the extremely high cost of fuel cells, GM opted to instead build several hydrogen-powered Chevrolet Equinox-based vehicles as testbeds. It then decided to change its direction of alternative-fueled vehicles, and unveiled the concept Volt in 2008, followed by the production version in 2010. As of October 2006, GM has built two Sequels.

See also

References

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