U.S. Postal Service Receives GM Fuel Cell Minivan

General Motors recently delivered a HydroGen3 minivan -- powered by fuel cells and based on a Euro-spec Opel Zafira -- to the U.S. Postal Service in Irvine, California. According to GM, this vehicle will be the first fuel-cell vehicle used for mail delivery on the west coast.

The USPS and GM have been working on a program to validate fuell cell technology as a possible alternative to traditional mail-carrying vehicles. Both parties obviously want to see how the vehicle behaves under stressful real-world conditions, which will likely include a few instances of the vehicle being chased by small, yappy dogs.

Kidding aside, the HydroGen3 project is yet another promising step towards the eventual use of fuel cells as an alternative power source in passenger vehicles. If the HydroGen3 project is a success, how long may it take fuel cells to appear in popular minivans? Give us your take in the comments section.

For more information:

• HydroGen3 Minivan Pictures [photo gallery]
• Fuel Saving Minivan Options [article]
• About Hybrid Cars [hybridcars.about.com]

^{photo: © General Motors - Denis Poroy}