Driving a fuel cell vehicle: You can hear, rather than feel, the difference

Driving a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is a lot like driving a gas-fueled car … except a lot quieter.

Paul Brubaker, administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration, said as much Monday during RITA's Hydrogen Drive 2008 event at the California Fuel Cell Partnership's West Sacramento headquarters.

"I couldn't believe how quiet it was," he said, climbing out of one of the vehicles based on the current Ford Focus passenger car.

Having driven numerous fuel cell vehicles in the past and a few more on Monday in West Sacramento, I can tell you that the lack of piston-hammering noise is the signature impression left on the driver.

Otherwise, you might not know you were driving a fuel cell vehicle. Take the fuel-cell Focus, for example.

Climb into the cockpit, and you'll see gauges, a gear shifter and dash-mounted comfort/convenience features just like those you'll find in a gas-fueled Focus.

Turning the key in the ignition, however, gets your attention – a high-pitched whine seems to start at the car's nose and wind back into the cockpit.

The sound is clearly evident outside the car. Behind the steering wheel, though, it's more subtle – almost like the sound of a golf cart approaching from far away.

On the roll, virtually all mechanical/electrical noise disappears. You have to strain outside the open window to pick it up. On the Focus, acceleration seemed only slightly less powerful than what you get in a four-cylinder, gas-fueled Focus with 140 horsepower.

Performance is more instant and robust in the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell sport-utility vehicle. The four-door, four-passenger GM electric prototype with on-board hydrogen tanks currently is being field-tested in U.S. markets, including Los Angeles.

Like the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox on which it is based, the Equinox Fuel Cell has an interior that could pass for its gas- fueled sibling. Interior features include air conditioning and XM Satellite Radio.

Punching the Equinox Fuel Cell accelerator prompts right-now oomph that pushes you deeper into the driver's seat. It's a quiet sprint, however.

With a lack of vibrating noise from an internal-combustion power plant, it's easy to get the fuel cell Equinox up over 45 mph in a hurry. A quick glance at the speedometer alerts you to back off. Fortunately, you can use cruise control to maintain a consistent speed.

An LCD screen mounted in the center of the dashboard tips you off that the Equinox Fuel Cell is a little different. A color, animated diagram of the vehicle's under-skin systems lets you know when you are using energy and when you are storing it up – energy to boost the on-board battery is captured while coasting and applying the brakes.

If you no longer want to view the LCD screen science session, you can push a radio button and get a readout of the radio station (and music) you're hearing.

About the writer:

• Call Bee Auto Editor Mark Glover, (916) 321-1184.