The Cadillac Provoq fuel cell concept is the third vehicle based on the E-Flex propulsion system, following the Chevrolet Volt and the Opel Flextreme.

The fifth-generation fuel cell technology is half the size of its predecessor, yet it has produces more power and performance.

Features

The concept can drive 300 miles (483 km) on a single fill of hydrogen – with 280 miles (450 km) from hydrogen and 20 miles (32 km) on pure electric energy. from the lithium-ion battery.

A pair of 10,000 psi (700 bar) composite storage tanks beneath the rear cargo floor hold 6 kg of hydrogen to feed the fuel cell stack, located under the hood.

There, hydrogen mixes with oxygen to generate electricity – up to 88 kW continuous power. A lithium-ion battery pack can store up to a total of 9kWh of electrical energy and also provides a peak of 60 kW of power for additional performance.

The electricity generated by the fuel cell is distributed to a 70 kW co-axial drive system for the front wheels and individual, 40 kW wheel hub motors on the rear wheels, giving the Cadillac Provoq its all-wheel-drive traction and great driving dynamics.

Its 0-60 mph sprint of 8.5 seconds is a more than 30-percent improvement over the previous-generation fuel cell system and with instantaneous torque to the wheels, it feels even faster. The top speed is 100 mph (160 km/h).

Additional features include a solar panel integrated in the roof and brake-by-wire technology.

Exterior Design

The Provoq has a sleek, athletic shape that builds on the Cadillac’s current design language simbolized by the 2008 CTS.

Among the features that support the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain are the active front grille with louvers that open when the fuel cell stack requires cooling and the front fender vents that incorporate left- and right-hand charging ports.

Among the elements optimized for aerodynamics are the side mirrors with integral turn signals, roof rack and a full underbody aerodynamic cover.

In the side view the Provoq showcases a clean design, also thanks to the side glass mounted flush with pillars and the flush door handles with push-to-release operation.

In the rear end, characterized by signature vertical taillamps with subtle fin design, the center high-mounted rear stop lamp is incorporated into full-width, wraparound spoiler.

“From the strong, shield grille and vertical headlamps to the crisp body lines, the Provoq is instantly recognizable as a contemporary Cadillac,” said Hoon Kim, exterior lead designer.

“Like the new CTS, it is bold and expressive, but there is enhanced shape between the edges – it’s a new proportion for crossovers, with a fast, almost coupe-like rear.

“Everything about the vehicle reinforces the notion that great style and environmentally conscious transportation can go hand in hand,” said Kim.

“We didn’t sacrifice proportion, stance or Cadillac’s iconic design cues; we used them to support the efficiency of the vehicle.

“They are the features customers expect,” he said. “The adaptability of the E-Flex architecture enabled the designers to create a great-looking vehicle, regardless of its alternative-fuel powertrain.”

Kim points to the fender-mounted charge ports as prime example. They allow overnight, plug-in charging that extends the driving range.

The ports have a satin-chrome appearance that incorporates an amber light to indicate the system is charging and a green light to indicate when charging is completed.

“The ports are functional, but rather than hide them, they are design elements of the Provoq,” he said.

“Sweeping body lines that culminate at the top and bottom edges of the ports suggest forward thrust, even when the vehicle is stationary.”

The vertical, neon-lit taillamps blend style with functionality, too, as their finned shape was designed to make the Provoq as aerodynamically efficient as possible.

Indeed, the Provoq has short overhangs and a sporty ride height that is complemented by large, 21-inch wheels.

The wheels have clear-covered space between the spokes, creating a sleeker profile while maintaining Cadillac’s typical bold wheel design.

The low-rolling resistance custom Michelin tires with Green-X technology feature a tread pattern that mimics the “H20” notation for water.

The tire designers and engineers at Michelin North America created a custom low-rolling resistance tire to complement the energy efficiency of the Cadillac Provoq.

They also allow for a reduction in the consumer’s overall cost of ownership.

Interior Design

The interior cabin can transport up to five passengers and incorporates the comfort and infotainment features typical of Cadillac's prduction models.

Most importantly, the fuel cell powertrain does not intrude on passenger or cargo room.

The hydrogen fuel tanks are mounted beneath the cargo floor, with the storage batteries located at the center of the chassis.

The fuel cell stack is located under the hood, giving the Provoq the interior layout of a conventional crossover – including a full cargo area and a 60/40-split folding rear seat.

“The interior is roomy, well-equipped and offers the space people want in a crossover,” said Matt Erdey, interior lead designer.

“There are no compromises inside the Provoq to accommodate the fuel cell powertrain and fuel tanks – a factor that proves the technology and real-world feasibility are growing closer together.”

“It picks up the cues, refinement and attention to detail of the new CTS and takes them to the next level,” said Erdey.

“A contrasting color scheme, extensiveuse of ambient lighting technology and elements such as cut-and-sewn, hand-wrapped leather with French seams are elements seen in current Cadillac models, but they are amplified in the Provoq. “

The interior has a contrasting, dark gray and light gray color scheme, with chrome and satin-chrome accents throughout. Ambient lighting extends across the instrument panel and into the door panels, as well as the foot wells, sills and under the seats.

A unique instrument cluster with large, reconfigurable LCD displays offers a multitude of vehicle information readouts, including fuel cell information and vehicle performance.

Like the CTS, the Provoq has a prominent center stack that houses the audio and climate systems, as well as a navigation system that rises out of the top of the instrument panel.

Between the front bucket seats is a large center console with a fully enclosed storage compartment that is home to ports for USB-connected devices and other electronics. The console also has a cell phone holder with built-in Bluetooth and inductive charging.

The compact shifting mechanism on the console uses shift-by-wire technology to engage the gears, resulting in more storage space within the console.

A variety of recycled and recyclable materials were used, as well:

• The headliner is wrapped in a fully recyclable soy-based material
• The carpet is made of recycled polyester and jute
• Leather used to cover the seats and instrumental panel is free of harmful chemicals
• Xorel material used on the door panels and instrument panel; treated to perform as a carbon-fiber-type material
• Chrome trim made with less-harmful materials

The earth-friendly interior components blend seamlessly with the more conventional materials inside the Provoq, enhancing the vehicle’s integrated, customer-focused environment. The same goes for the cargo area, which features an auxiliary power outlet and a load floor that is level with the hatch opening.

“The integration of the features and technology is remarkable,” said Erdey. “If you didn’t know there was a hydrogen fuel cell stack under the hood, you’d never know it was anything but a roomy, functional crossover.”

Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept - Technical Specifications

(Source: Cadillac)