GM shows off fuel cells at Auto Show

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A lot of people go to the car show to see the new classy chassis. But now the focus is also on more efficient mileage and green energy.

GM is showcasing the car of the future at the Buffalo Auto Show. General Motors is proud of its latest development in fuel cell technology. This engine is powered by hydrogen. And talk about going green: he only by-product is water. GM has three Chevy SUV's at the auto show and people can sign up with a chance to test-drive these cars on Friday and Saturday. GM's Dan O'Connell was in town to tell News 4 how a fuel cell works.

"How a fuel cell works, it's pretty simple. If you get down to the basics. As long as you have hydrogen on one side of the membrane and you have oxygen from the air on the other side, they come together to the membrane. They make electricity and then water and those are the two by-products and heat very similar to your engine today. The heat goes to the radiator, your electricity goes to the drive motor that drives the wheels and the only by-product coming out of the exhaust is water vapor," said O'Connell.

GM has 16 vehicles driven by fuel cells. Three of them are at the Buffalo Auto Show. The automaker hopes to have them in dealer showrooms in six years. It will take that the much time to build enough hydrogen fuel stations.