Holden and CSIRO research powertrain technologies

"Supercapacitors are our particular interest. They're capable of providing a rapid surge of power and allow the super-fast collection, storage and discharge of the electrical energy necessary for automotive applications. They're lightweight and suited to capturing or providing the high currents associated with regenerative braking and full throttle acceleration.

"Using supercapacitors, our engineers can minimise electric loads which can drastically reduce battery life and allow better management of the 'rapid change of state' events associated with day-to-day driving.

"The beauty of our supercapacitor power management and storage systems is that they have the flexibility to be used in different applications under different programs, no matter what the hybrid or fuel cell powertrain needs.

"Although Australia remains a small player in the global automotive industry, we believe that we can make a worthwhile local contribution to General Motors' goals.

"GM is intent on applying new technologies that will improve our vehicles, making them safer, cleaner and more efficient so that they are minimised as a factor in the environmental equation," Mr Sparke said.

GM's Road to Hydrogen The Sydney seminar outlined strategies General Motors has in place to provide a bridge to the hydrogen economy. The company believes the long-term answer to the question of sustainable mobility lies in hydrogen-powered fuel cells from renewable resources.

Fuel cells produce electricity from hydrogen and oxygen to power an electric source. They are more than twice as energy-efficient as internal combustion engines and emit only water vapour.

One of several GM hydrogen fuel cell concept vehicles, the revolutionary Hy-wire test-driven by seminar participants has a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system housed entirely in a 25cm thick skateboard-like chassis. By-wire controls attached to the chassis through a single docking port use electrical signals instead of mechanical links or hydraulics to control steering, acceleration and braking. Without an engine, steering column or other conventional vehicle components, the Hy-wire concept provides unprecedented design freedom.

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