Hydrogen vehicle manufacturer Hyzon Motors has released test data showing world-leading performance of its new proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology.
The results show Hyzon’s PEM fuel cells achieved volumetric power density of more than 6kW/litre and gravimetric power density exceeding 5.5kW/l (between end hardware).
According to Hyzon, this compares to most fuel cell modules used in current heavy vehicles which deliver continuous power around 100kW or less with peak power density under 3kW/litre.
The test data was validated by third-party testing and certification services business TUV Rheinland.
The fuel cell technology can apply to various demanding usage scenarios for commercial vehicles and machinery including trucks, trains, and airplanes.
Although the performance data is from short stack testing, it validates the potential of using full power fuel cells up to 500hp (370kW) for heavy mobility applications, reducing dependence on batteries and therefore saving on weight, size and cost.
Hyzon co-founder and chief executive Craig Knight says the new PEM fuel cell is the result of nearly 20 years of research and development.
“For nearly 20 years now, the Hyzon founding team have been fully focused on developing world class proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology – the ‘engine’ of any hydrogen-powered vehicle – with the aim of producing the world’s most advanced fuel cell to accelerate the energy transition and decarbonize heavy commercial mobility.
“With greater electrification of equipment and systems, there is a need for more powerful and lighter fuel cells to power heavy vehicles, machinery, trains and aircraft.
“This is where our PEM fuel cells will really excel; high power output and high power density enable applications previously out of reach of fuel cell technology,” Knight says.
With production facilities in North America, Europe and Asia, Hyzon expects to deliver thousands of fuel cell trucks and buses globally over the next three years.
By 2025, the company’s expected turn-key capacity will be more than 40,000 fuel cell vehicles annually. Production of the groundbreaking PEM fuel cell is expected to start in 2021.
Hyzon is a global supplier of hydrogen fuel cell-powered commercial vehicles, including heavy duty trucks, buses and coaches. Established as a spin-off from Horizon in early 2020, it commercialises Horizon’s almost 20 years of fuel cell technology development for applications in global mobility applications.
Earlier this year, Hyzon signed a deal with New Zealand’s Hiringa Energy for the supply of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) to fleet partners TR Group and TIL Logistics by early 2021.
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