Today's News by Jack Nerad for Driving Today

GM Getting More Eco-Friendly

Monday, August 30, 2010

General Motors is eager to win back its reputationas an environmentally-friendly company. In its latest effort in that direction, the automaker announced that it will be the first manufacturer to use a new, more environmentally-neutral refrigerant in its vehicle air-conditioning systems, starting with the 2013 model year. The giant corporation, which once reigned as an environmental leader on the strength of its EV1 electric car, says its new alternative refrigerant chemical, sporting the catchy name HFO-1234yf, is as effective as the R-134a compound that is currently used globally. But it also has the potential to reduce the heat-trapping gases released to the atmosphere by more than 99 percent.

The new refrigerant, which will be produced and supplied by Honeywell, is said to break down and disperse in just 11 days, compared to the 13 years required by R-134a to return to its elements. GM says R-134a carries a standardized global warming potential (GWP) index number in excess of 1,400, while the new HFO-1234yf formulation has a rating of just four.

“GM's decision to adopt this new refrigerant is additional proof of our commitment to be on the forefront of green technologies that will keep our planet healthy for our children and grandchildren,” said Mike Robinson, GM vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. “It’s not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about environmental leadership, and GM plans to lead in developing new technologies that will take the vehicle out of the environmental debate.”

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