The Chevrolet Sequel is a purpose-built hydrogen fuel cell-powered concept car and sport utility vehicle from Chevrolet, employing the then-latest generation of General Motors' fuel cell technology. The Sequel's powertrain includes 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 has a rated power output of 73 kW, supplemented by a lithium-ion battery pack rated at 65 kW. One 65 kW electric motor drives the front wheels, and individual 25 kW wheel-motors (outboard of the rear brakes) drive each rear wheel, providing total tractive power of 115 kW. The Sequel stores 8 kg of gaseous hydrogen in three cylindrical, carbon-composite fuel tanks, pressurized to 700 bar and mounted longitudinally beneath the cabin floor. As a result, the range of the vehicle is more than 480 km. The Sequel is 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.