Truck manufacturers see enormous potential for the gas cell technology, while the auto industry finds it difficult to convince consumers that such vehicles have a place in daily transportation, according to Bauaelectric Auto News.
Andreas Gorbach, technical chief at Daimler Vehicles, stated at a briefing at IAA Transportation 2022 that it is an issue of chemistry.
“If you happen to take the weather with the largest distinction in electrochemical that offers you the very best power, the very best voltage and the very best potential power density cell, you’d by no means come even near the hydrogen,” he mentioned.
Notably, battery chemistry could only provide a thirtieth of hydrogen’s power, even with a significant advancement. Gorback stated that “There usually are not parts that may compete with hydrogen.”
Significant challenges remain before hydrogen fuel cell vans can start replacing diesel tractors. Moreover, vans by the number of hundred-thousand could not be serviced by the current hydrogen supply infrastructure.
Furthermore, hydrogen refining is soiled, which defeats the purpose of a car with no exhaust emissions. To fulfill its environmental promise, the industry should increase hydrogen production using photo voltaic, wind, and other renewable energy sources.
On the other hand, Daimler continues to make inroads for battery-powered trucks despite the fact that it also makes gasoline-cell vans. In fact, it debuted a new battery chemistry-equipped European model last week at IAA Transportation.
Martin Daum, the CEO of Daimler, told Automotive Information that the truck’s powertrain and battery chemistry would eventually find their way into Freightliners plying US roads in several years.
The focus of the anticipation at IAA was on advanced technological transportation, including battery electrics and hydrogen fuel cell designs. Nearly all Class 8 truck manufacturers, including Daimler, Volvo, BYD, Iveco, and others, placed electrical tractors front and center at their IAA booths. Meanwhile, on the vast Frankfurt conference complex, they positioned the diesel models in secondary spots or outside on the street between the halls.
Following its separation from the parent company, Mercedes-Benz, in December 2021, Daimler became a solo truck manufacturer. At the IAA, it promoted its hydrogen fuel cell technology.
At Cellcentric, a 50-50 three-way cooperation with Volvo Group, the German company showcased the most recent technology in a fuel cell stack under development.
Daum spoke urgently about hydrogen technology in briefings and interviews, which was motivated by the company’s schedule for the phase-out of diesel transportation. “We’re in a carbon financial system, and carbon heats up the world….That is not a world we wish to reside in,” he mentioned.
He also stated that gasoline cell powertrains are a suitable replacement for diesel engines to transport goods and supplies along the extensive routes in the United States. These powertrains employ hydrogen to create electrical energy to drive motors.
Compared to the weighty batteries, which EV vans must tow over similar distances, the burden of the fuel and motor is less. In addition, less weight enables motor carriers to transport more cargo.
Furthermore, gas cell vans replenish at a rate similar to their combustion engine counterparts, relieving drivers of waiting times for charging.
Volvo anticipates that fuel cell technology will perform better over greater distances and at larger densities. “We all know that it’ll rely quite a bit on the infrastructure and the provision of inexperienced hydrogen and inexperienced electrical energy,” mentioned Jessica Sandström, Volvo Vehicles’ international product administration chief.
Volvo is developing electrical vehicles powered by gasoline cells that might go 600 miles between fill-ups. In 2025, it intends to test the vehicles with prospective customers in Europe. Within the ensuing years, that may also extend to the US and other markets.
