In March this year Virgin Atlantic Airways announced that it would be using the Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicle as its “complimentary ground transfer for upper class passengers” for planes landing at Los Angeles Airport (LAX). This month, U.S Department of Energy announced that it will also be taking delivery of the Equinox.
The DOE becomes part of the team of pioneers involved in Chevrolet’s “Project Driveway,” an innovative market test aimed at bringing fuel cell electric technology to mainstream consumers. For the next six months, DOE staff will use the Equinox to conduct day-to-day business activities while providing real-world performance data.
“We’re pleased to have the DOE join in this important endeavor to speed advanced technologies to consumers,” said Cheryl Catton, General Director for Chevrolet Marketing. “The DOE’s participation illustrates the value of industry and government working together to provide solutions to energy issues. The findings from all our Project Driveway participants will help us define our product and market introduction plan for fuel cell electric vehicles.”
Testing of the Equinox is also open to the general public in the USA to act as volunteers. Since the beginning of the project in 2007, 62000 consumers have volunteered and more will be selected from the website community over the next two years to participate in this exciting project. The vehicle is provided with free fuel and insurance for about three months in exchange for the feedback.
