GM tests fuel cell cars in real world

In case people might not realize this is no ordinary crossover SUV, GM slathered decals depicting water molecules all over the Equinox Fuel Cell and added a couple more stickers at the back letting everyone know it uses "No gasoline" and emits "ZERO emissions."

But there are more subtle, and functional, cues. The tailpipes, for example, are melded right into the body work at the rear of the car in a way a regular vehicle's tailpipes wouldn't be. These tailpipes never get hot, since the only thing that passes through them is cool water vapor.

Up front, the Equinox's extra-large grill opening and the big vents under the headlights are there because, even though the exhaust is cool, the fuel cell does create heat. In a regular car, the tailpipe carries away about a third of that excess heat.

Since the Equinox's exhaust doesn't take away any heat, the fuel cell vehicle requires extra cooling area up front.