High hopes for Hy-wire: GM, suppliers plan a profitable fuel cell, by-wire vehicle by 2020 - The Supply Side - New by-wire technology used in auto steering, braking and other systems - International Pages - Product Development - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Automotive Industries, Sept, 2002 by Andrea Wielgat

General Motors and its suppliers took its fuel cell program one step further this month with the debut of the Hy-wire at the Paris auto show.

Continuing where the AUTOnomy concept vehicle left off, Hy-wire is a drivable hydrogen fuel cell combined with by-wire technology.

Sweden's SKF Group developed the by-wire technology that allows for steering, braking and other systems to be controlled electronically versus mechanically. Development work was done at SKF facilities in Italy and the Netherlands.

To operate the by-wire systems, drivers brake and accelerate using two handgrips, which glide up and down for steering. Squeezing the brake actuator slows or stops the vehicle. The decision to have drivers squeeze for braking comes from natural human instinct.

"When people brake, the first thing they do is squeeze the steering wheel," says Tom Johnstone, president of SKF's automotive division.

Stile Bertone in Italy built Hy-wire's fiberglass body. It is connected to the all-aluminum chassis with 10 mechanical body attachment links. A single docking port provides the electrical connection between the chassis and the body, GM says.

The fuel cell stack is installed in the back of the chassis, which is 11-inches thick in the center and 7-inches thick at the edges. A transversely installed electrical motor drives the front wheels.

The Hy-wire is capable of 100 mph and refuels in five minutes.

The vehicle is how GM is reinventing the car in a way that will sell in volume and make a profit for GM and its suppliers, says Larry Burns, vice president, research & development and planning for GM.

The challenges still facing Burns and his team include a way to get the hydrogen and then store it. While hydrogen is one of the most plentiful substances on earth it still has to be extracted. The other challenge is in making the vehicle affordable so it can be sold in volume. GM hopes to have it affordable by 2010 and profitable by 2020 at the latest.

"For this technology you have to have a lot of them," Burns says. "We see compelling and affordable as the goal."

RELATED ARTICLE: Hy-wire Technical Specifications

Length - 195 inches

Mass - 4,200 pounds

Speed - Capable of 100 mph

Propulsion--Fuel cell stack with 200 fuel cells connected in series, developing constant power of 94 kW with a peak of 129 kW

Hydrogen storage--Three 5,000-psi compressed gas tanks (345 bars) Refueling time--5 minutes

New Business Awards In the News

American Axle: Future GM platform, 2005, One-piece aluminum, one-piece steel and two-piece steel driveshaft assemblies.

ArvinMeritor: Volvo powertrain, 2004, Proprietary rear drive axles.

Borg Warner: Nissan V6 and V8 engines, 2002, Chain-based engine timing systems.

Collins & Aikman: GM's next generation compact car platform, 2004, Floor consoles, instrument panels and related components.

Dana Corp: Lincoln Aviator (above), 2Q02, Front main driveshefts and independent front axle assemblies.

Dana Corp: Isuzu pickup truck, 2002, Structural support modules.

Dana Corp: GMC Savana and Chevy Express full-size vans, NA *, Axles, driveshafts and full frames.

Dana Corp: Ford Falcon (Australia), 2002, Independent rear suspension systems.

Delphi Corp: Four different auto makers, NA *, Passive occupant detection systems.

Delphi Corp: Hyundai VS engines, 2002, Engine management systems.

Delphi Corp: Two new vehicle platforms, NA *, Enhanced stability QUADRASTEER programs.

Delphi Corp: Several future Ford models, NA *, Audio systems.

* NA = launch date unavailable

Source: Lehman Brothers