Winter 2002 Vol. 11 No. 1

AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATIONS

GM Unveils AUTONOMY

A Futuristic Automobile Design

Rick Wagoner, president and CEO of General Motors Corporation un-veiled a futuristic automobile design concept called AUTONOMY at the North American International Auto Show on January 7, 2002. He stated the "concept provides the vision of the coming hydrogen economy, a world of truly sustainable mobility." Shown publicly for the first time, Autonomy combines hydrogen fuel cell propulsion with what's known as "drive-by-wire" technology.

The revolutionary design concept consists of a chassis/docking station that looks like a giant skateboard (6 inches thick, 14 feet long, and just over 6 feet wide) sitting on oversized tires, with a passenger shell that docks to the chassis. The passenger shell comes in interchangeable body styles (ranging from compact and family cars to SUV's), all designed to mate with the chassis.

The Autonomy is powered by the hydrogen-fueled fuel cell system that is shoe horned into the 6-inch thick chassis. It powers four small motors, one mounted on each wheel, supplanting the traditional front or rear mounted engine and transmission.

General Motors Corp. believes the thin, flat Autonomy structure just may be the foundation for the reinvention of the automobile. "This could be the biggest thing in the last 50 years, said David Cole, director of the Center for Automotive Research. "It will redefine the industry in terms of manufacturing and suppliers."

Using drive-by-wire, the steering, braking and other systems are operated electronically, instead of mechanically, eliminating the need for heavy, bulky components. It also eliminates the need for engine oil, transmission fluid or brake fluid. All the wiring is stuffed into the chassis. It creates, on a much larger scale, the same type of docking station one might use to connect a laptop computer to a company's system. With the Autonomy, the vehicles body plays the role of the laptop. It is simply attached to the chassis, connecting with its circuits. A hand-operated steering guide called the X-drive replaces the steering column. Accelerator and brake pedals and instrument panels would also be eliminated, with their functions incorporated into the X-drive, which could be mounted on a swivel arm connected to the floor in the center of the vehicle.

In theory, the chassis could last 15 to 20 years, allowing the owner to replace the body as styles and needs change, says Larry Burns, GM vice president for research, development and planning. Using the year 2020 as a target date for producing a vehicle based on Autonomy's technologies, Burns said considerable obstacles stand in the way, namely cost, safe on board hydrogen storage, a hydrogen refueling infrastructure and safety testing.

Burns said safety is improved with the elimination of the steering column and instrument panel - two surfaces occupants often hit in crashes. The skateboards low center of gravity also would contribute to better handling and roll over resistance, Burns said.

GM has applied for 24 patents covering business models, technologies and manufacturing processes related to the Autonomy.