Skip advert
Advertisement

Chevrolet Sequel

The world’s most advanced car – that’s what Chevrolet calls its sensational Sequel hydrogen fuel cell 4x4

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your next car here
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Chevy Sequel is the most exciting fuel cell car we have ever tried. Its drive-by-wire steering needs some work, and question marks remain over the viability of hydrogen fuel cells. But the performance, range, off-road ability and packaging make this the most convincing hydrogen vehicle yet.

Said to be the first futuristic zero-emissions vehicle you could drive every day, it is miles ahead of the competition – but is it the future?

First seen at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show, the Sequel features GM’s Gen-4 fuel cell system packaged into a ‘skateboard’ chassis that’s only 28cm thick.

There are no mechanical linkages to speak of – the steer, drive and brake-by-wire systems remove the need for physical connection. The Sequel also has in-wheel electric motors that give it full 4x4 capability, which no other working fuel cell car can offer. Incredibly, it’s road-legal, too. Start it up and the powerful cooling system emits a high-pitched whine. From outside it sounds like a jet aircraft with the volume turned down.

Inside, the digital instruments have bars denoting hydrogen levels. A screen displays the flow of energy, Toyota Prius style, but otherwise the cabin is very normal – it even has a tatty ignition key. Yet there’s nothing dated about the powertrain. It’s smooth and quiet, and gives good pace for a 2,170kg car. A 0-62mph time of 10 seconds and a 90mph top speed put it in a fuel cell class of its own.

Between the fuel cell power module, battery pack, 65kW front electric motor and two 25kW in-wheel motors, the Gen-4 propulsion system delivers up to 200bhp. But after a few minutes of sustained acceleration, the lithium-ion batteries fall below required charge levels, halving the power on tap.

This won’t normally be an issue, and the Prius-style regenerative braking and electric motor system soon has it back up to full charge. But the set-up needs fine-tuning before it can rival a combus­tion engine for everyday usability.

Three high-pressure storage tanks hold 8kg of hydrogen, meaning a 300-mile range between refills. That ‘skateboard’ chassis gives perfect 50:50 weight distribution, so the handling and body control impress. Our only gripe is the variable-ratio steer-by-wire, as it’s unresponsive, with inconsistent feel. As with the braking and throttle response, though, this could be reprogrammed at a dealer. The Sequel may be a turning point in making hydrogen cars a reality.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £32,828
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £8,595
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,499 off RRP*Used from £10,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025