US carmaker General Motors (GM) and Japanese vehicle manufacturer Honda Motor have collaborated to develop fuel cell system and hydrogen storage technologies through 2020.
The collaboration forms part of the automakers' efforts to trim the cost of new technology, while complying with global emissions standards.
GM chairman and CEO Dan Akerson said: "We are convinced this is the best way to develop this important technology, which has the potential to help reduce the dependence on petroleum and establish sustainable mobility."
As part of the co-project, both automakers will work to develop a refueling infrastructure that will be essential for consumer acceptance and the long-term viability of fuel-cell technology equipped vehicles.
Both firms will also build on each other's technology and share suppliers to reduce the cost of fuel-cell vehicles, which are more costly to manufacture than electric vehicles.
Honda Motor president and CEO Takanobu Ito said the move would enable fusing fuel cell technologies and develop an advanced system that will be both more capable and more affordable.
"Among all zero CO2 emission technologies, fuel cell electric vehicles have a definitive advantage with range and refueling time that is as good as conventional gasoline cars," Ito said.
Additionally, GM and Honda would work with local governments and others to develop the network of hydrogen fueling stations.
Fuel cell technology would reduce petroleum dependency, emissions, efficiency, range and refueling times, as they can operate on renewable hydrogen developed from sources including wind and biomass, while emitting water vapour.
According to automakers, fuel cell vehicles can offer about 400 miles driving range, while can be refueled in around three minutes.
