Feb 23 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Mike Gellatly Aiken Standard, S.C.

The first hydrogen-powered vehicle registered in the United States was rolled out before a crowd of dignitaries at the Center for Hydrogen Research on Friday.

The eTec Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine vehicle, or HICE to its friends, is cutting edge technology built into a smooth-riding but powerful 2007 Chevrolet Silverado.

"This is the beginning of a journey ending, we hope, in energy independence," said Fred Humes, Economic Development Partnership (EDP) director.

The vehicle, purchased by the CHR, is envisioned as a real-world base for the development and evaluation of hydrogen storage systems.

Converted from gasoline by Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (eTec) of Phoenix, the truck is indistinguishable from other models. ETec received technical support from Powertech labs, which specialize in hydrogen storage, and a company better known for its gas-guzzling stock cars -- Roush Industries.

ETec and Roush will combine to train instructors from Aiken Technical College on how to maintain the truck while it is used for studies and transported to public events.

"I have reserved it for the Christmas parade," joked Aiken County Council Chairman Ronnie Young.

Those looking to go so green so quickly will have to be financial committed. A conversion to a HICE will run around $100,000, Ernie Chaput of the EDP said. Also, the only local refueler is at CHR.

For hydrogen to become a viable alternative depends on people willing to step forward and ask for the technology, Chaput said.

Though it is a pickup, there is no room for bales of hay in the back of this truck as three large hydrogen tanks take up the bed.

The HICE was not made in Aiken, but the CHR's drive for technological advancement and the benefits it can provide were the focus of the truck's presentation.

Humes and Young talked of how the relationship between Aiken County, CHR and others have produced unique resources and are establishing the state of South Carolina as a leader in technology and innovation.

Contact Mike Gellatly at mgellatly@aikenstandard.com.