Alternative power sources for autos drive into spotlight

0 Comments | USA TODAY, September, 2007 | by James R. Healey, Chris Woodyard and Sharon Silke Carty

Suddenly, alternative auto power seems close.

The big Frankfurt auto show in Germany, home of the speed-limitless autobahn, bristles with vehicles aimed more at saving petroleum than gulping it. Here in the USA, General Motors is about to put the largest hydrogen fuel-cell test fleet into consumer hands, and Honda is gearing up to launch fuel-cell, diesel and hybrid models.

Here's a look at what's happening in the USA and what stands out at Frankfurt.

In the USA

*General Motors. Starting in January, the automaker plans to begin loaning 100 Chevrolet Equinox hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles to people in and around Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. Called Project Driveway, it involves the largest fuel-cell test fleet and will last two...