Although only in the concept stages and not yet available for general sale, Cadillac showed the new Provoq earlier this year at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show. Born from General Motors’ vision to replace gasoline as mainstream fuel, the Provoq is a hydrogen fuel cell crossover. It uses fuel cell technology coupled with a lithium-ion battery. The result is a vehicle driven electrically without the detrimental emissions of gas. It is called hydrogen fuel cell because the only emission is vapor or water.

Tanks of hydrogen are stored at the rear of the vehicle in order to feed the fuel cell stack where the hydrogen mixes with water to create electricity. The battery pack then supplements the power giving the car higher performance levels. In addition, the Provoq has been aerodynamically designed to reach maximum performance. For example when the car is travelling at higher speeds, the front grill louvers close in order to reduce drag from the wind and open again at lower speeds to aid cooling of the fuel cell stack.

Other features that demonstrate Cadillac’s commitment to design products more harmonious to the environment are:

• Wheels are wrapped in custom Michelin tires incorporating Green-X technology.
• Recycled and recyclable materials were used for the rich interior.
• Carpet is made of recycled polyester and jute.
• Headliner is wrapped in a fully recyclable soy-based material.

Such a luxurious vehicle sparing no expense in details but saving so much in the environment proves that one does not have to sacrifice when using alternative fuels.