LOS ANGELES — Remember the hydrogen highway?

Despite a ton of hoopla and billions of dollars in research, that particular road to energy independence and a cleaner environment isn't in danger of a Sig-alert. In fact, some experts say it's a dead-end in the search for more fuel-efficient transportation.

General Motors Corp., along with a few other car makers, thinks otherwise.

GM launched Operation Driveway this week, setting in motion its long-promised program to put fuel-cell vehicles in the hands of average drivers for extended real-world road testing.

More than 100 fuel-cell-equipped Chevy Equinox sport utility vehicles will be used in the test, divided about 60/40 between Los Angeles and New York.

The goal of what GM is calling the "first large-scale market test" of fuel-cell vehicles is to introduce the two coasts to a technology that is viewed by many as too expensive and difficult to use — which, according to GM, it isn't.

"When people really experience these vehicles and understand how easy they are to refuel, I think that will help dissuade a lot of people about the myths that surround hydrogen," said Byron McCormick, executive director of fuel-cell activities for GM.

Fuel cells convert hydrogen to electricity in a chemical reaction whose only byproduct is water. In the Equinox, the cell powers an electric motor that can run for about 150 miles on one tank of hydrogen.

GM has a link on its Web site (www.chevrolet.com/fuelcell/checkzipcode) where people can sign up for the program. About 10,000 have expressed interest, and some 3,000 have filled out the online registration form.

GM representatives met with prospective test drivers in Los Angeles last week, looking for a cross-section in terms of age, location and driving habits. The Equinoxes will be delivered beginning in January for a three-month test period. The vehicle and fuel will be free, and GM will provide 24/7 roadside assistance.

In return, the automaker wants feedback.

"We've already started designing the next-generation fuel-cell vehicle, so we want to know what people are seeing," McCormick said. "We're going to experience that whole brave new world with them."

GM estimates that at least 800 families and individuals will get a turn with the Equinoxes over the 3 1/2-year life of the project. The SUVs also will be handed out to celebrities and corporate fleets.

Jacqlyn and Ben Lee of Burbank fall into the noncelebrity category. They don't consider themselves hard-core environmentalists, but volunteering for Project Driveway appealed to their "green" instincts.

"For me, this was a hands-on way to help the environment," said Jacqlyn.