General Motors is currently one of the leading automakers in pursuing a lineup of environmentally friendly vehicles. And it has yet again taken a new giant step towards this technology through the Hydrogen3 Minivan.

Used by FedEx as delivery vehicle for real world testing trial, this five-seater is designed based on the Opel Zafira MPV. It is the latest of the Hydrogen Series and is packed with more power than the Hydrogen1. Moreover, the HygroGen3 has a simpler start up procedure and a more compact fuel cell stack. Having a respectable top speed of 100 mph, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 16 seconds. The GM HydroGen 3 is powered by a 60 kW / 82 PS three-phase asynchronous motor. GM is testing both liquid hydrogen and compressed hydrogen storage systems with the HydroGen3.

"To really prove that fuel cell vehicles are equal to or better than conventional, internal combustion vehicles, you need to operate them under tough, every-day conditions. Our fuel cell technology has advanced to the point where it’s important to involve a real heavy-duty commercial user in our research and development activities. We expect to learn a lot by having FedEx Express put our HydroGen3 to the test on their daily delivery runs on the streets of Tokyo. This is how you truly prove durability and dependability", said Raymond Grigg Chairman and CEO of the Japan division of General Motors.

Being the first fuel cell vehicle certified by the Japanese government for operation on regular roads, the GM Hydrogen3 Minivan is also used by the U.S. Postal Service to deliver mail in and around the Washington DC area. GM has another joint venture for the GM HydroGen3 with Shell. Its two-year program is being conducted in Washington DC giving the Members of Congress the chance to test drive the fuel cell vehicles.