GM buys into hydrogen storage maker

GM cleared a hurdle in the race to make the first mass produced fuel-cell-powered vehicle with its announcement in June that it acquired 20% stake in Quantum Technologies Inc., maker of hydrogen storage tanks. The company expects to produce a tank that can hold enough hydrogen to travel 300 to 500 miles (480 to 800 km). Quantum's tank, the same size as one introduced last year, features several layers of protection, and has withstood extreme temperature variation, vibration, chemical spills and a 50-mph (80 km/h) impact. Obstacles for GM to clear include cost, consumer education and infrastructure for production. To that end, GM forms an alliance with Vancouver, B.C.-based General Hydrogen. GM takes a 16% stake in a 25-year collaboration focusing on hydrogen storage, fuel cell vehicle refueling, energy services, advanced materials, power electronics and electric power production. The goal is an infrastructure prototype within three years. GM estimates fuel cell vehicles will be widely available by 2010. The company also is working to produce fuel cell vehicles that derive hydrogen from gasoline, which allows consumers to continue using gasoline refueling.