AIKEN, S.C., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- The South Carolina-based Center for Hydrogen Research unveiled its eTec Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine vehicle.

The hydrogen technology was built into a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado, the Aiken (S.C.) Standard reported.

"This is the beginning of a journey ending, we hope, in energy independence," said Fred Humes, economic development partnership director.

The vehicle, purchased by the CHR, is envisioned as a real-world base for the development and evaluation of hydrogen storage systems. Converted from gasoline by Electric Transportation Engineering Corp. of Phoenix, the truck is indistinguishable from other models.

ETec and Roush will combine to train instructors from Aiken Technical College on how to maintain the truck while it is used for studies and transported to public events. However, those looking to go green will have to be financial committed.

A conversion to a HICE will run around $100,000, Ernie Chaput of the EDP said. Also, the only local refueling station is at CHR. For hydrogen to become a viable alternative depends on people willing to step forward and ask for the technology, Chaput said, and the three large hydrogen tanks take up the bed so storage space is limited.