As fuel prices creep higher and higher, consumers are becoming more educated on alternative modes of transportation and alternative fuels. One you may have heard a lot about but think you’ll never see is hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. They are a long way off but a few manufacturers have fleets of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and GM in particular is actively recruiting members of the LGBT community to test them out. Hydrogen fuel has been long thought to be a good alternative as fuel with companies such as BMW and countries like Japan taking on the hydrogen fuel power as well as taking an interest in hydrogen storage for their products. However, there are a few detractors who believe that hydrogen is not a sustainable fuel source, nevertheless, it doesn’t stop car companies from exploring its possibility as zero-emission fuel. Especially when the likes of PDC Machines manufactures a fuel cell compressor for hydrogen refueling stations that could potentially be the future of alternative energy for these vehicles as well as other hydrogen fuel applications.

Chevrolet’s “Project Driveway” is encouraging LGBT residents in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. to apply for a free, three-month test drive of a Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicle.
“More than 100 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicles will be loaned out to be test driven for up to three months in key cities where hydrogen fueling stations are currently available,” said Travis Parman, LGBT media relations manager at General Motors. “Our goal is to get Equinox Fuel Cell test drivers that are as diverse as America. And since the LGBT community tends to have a lot of early adopters, we wanted to reach out and encourage LGBT residents to apply.”

This is the first large-scale market test of fuel cell electric vehicles anywhere and gives lucky residents a chance to brag to their friends that they drive a zero-gas, zero-emissions vehicle. And the Equinox makes no compromises in performance either – achieving 0 to 60 mph in 12 seconds, 236 lb.-ft. (320 Nm) of instant torque and a top speed of about 100 miles per hour. It seats four, sports 32 cubic feet of cargo volume for everybody’s gear, and has a range of approximately 150 miles per fill-up.

To apply to participate in “Project Driveway,” drivers must live in the appropriate zip codes (near hydrogen fueling stations) and must fill out an online application.
To apply for “Project Driveway,” check your zip code and sign up by clicking HERE or cut and paste the following URL into your browser (http://www.chevrolet.com/fuelcell/checkzipcode/)
A variety of drivers – from diverse families to celebrities – will have free use of an Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicle and the hydrogen fuel it needs to make electricity on board. The average family will get one of the vehicles for three months and be required to report their experience to Chevrolet via a blog.

Some highlights of “Project Driveway”:
· Eligibility is based on locations of hydrogen fueling stations in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. and selection of participants is at the sole discretion of General Motors
· When it’s time for a Project Driveway test driver to get a Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell, he or she gets a visit from a specially trained Chevy Driver Relationship Manager (DRM), who provides concierge-level services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The DRM takes the Project Driveway test driver to the local Chevrolet dealership to pick up the car and receive a lesson on operating the vehicle, then to the hydrogen station for a tutorial on fueling.
· Once drivers have been selected, they will be required to provide regular, candid feedback via a blog about their use of the vehicle in their daily lives, the vehicle’s performance and their personal preferences.

We encourage everyone that is interested to take part in this program. Even if you don’t get chosen for the program, you can interact on the blog and learn about how GM is working towards alternative fuel solutions.
To learn more about how Chevrolet is working on fuel solutions to offer products that range from “gas-friendly to gas-free” visit http://www.chevrolet.com/fuelsolutions/