Hy-Wire Driving Is a Gas in General Motors’ hydrogen-powered concept car:
Eyeing the shiny silver-and-glass bubble with no acceleration or brake pedals, I muttered something about how non-adaptable other people are and climbed into the driver’s seat. In almost instant retribution, I watched my feet writhe about the floor seeking just one pedal to push. My passenger, a Hy-wire design engineer, rolled his eyes and pushed a button. A footrest whirred into place at my feet.In addition to a notable lack of floor pedals, the Hy-wire also has no engine.
Powered by 200 fuel cells inside an 11-inch-thick chassis fixed like a giant skateboard under the car, the Hy-wire’s most exciting element is its environmental footprint. It has none. According to General Motors, the car takes in only air and leaves behind nothing but water.
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Named for the technology it uses to replace conventional steering, accelerating and transmission controls, Hy-wire has electronic wires in its chassis instead of mechanical parts. Those wires are connected to a docking port, sitting a few feet forward of the driver’s seat. With the press of another button, the controller moved toward me, with a futuristic whizzing sound.The vertical handles, or paddles, work like a motorcycle — twist to go, squeeze to stop. Steering is done by rotating the control mechanism like a joystick, causing the wheels to turn.