UK-based fuel cell technology developer Viritech has started a new study to determine the potential use of a hydrogen fuel cell range extender (REX) for on-and-off highway electric vehicles.
The project, supported by a grant from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) and Niche Vehicle Network, aims to establish the feasibility of deploying portable FCs in niche vehicle mobility applications to meet current regulation and automotive duty cycle requirements.
To date, the use of fuel cells as range extenders has only been used in medium to heavy commercial vehicles. However, Viritech believes that there is significant market potential in the deployment of portable fuel cells as range extenders for L-Cat vehicles to increase their potential use cases and capability.
Currently, battery electric last-mile delivery vehicles are restricted in terms of their range, particularly when faced with challenging use cases such as extreme weather conditions, congested urban areas and undulating terrains. Furthermore, the addition of larger, more powerful batteries to offset these issues have an upshot of additional weight, reduced payload capacity and a potential failure to meet regulatory requirements.
By using well-proven and cost-effective portable fuel cells in conjunction with the vehicle’s existing battery pack, Viritech hopes to develop a first-of-its-kind and commercially viable zero-emissions solution for niche vehicle mobility applications. In doing so, it intends to establish a gateway for creating an entirely new market for fuel cell technology to further accelerate the global transition to zero emissions mobility.
“Viritech is delighted to be undertaking this project and exploring the potential to accelerate the decarbonization of a notoriously challenging segment of the automotive sector. The support of the Department for Business and Trade, the Advanced Propulsion Centre and The Niche Vehicle Network, is vital to British technology companies such as Viritech, enabling us to redefine the art of the possible in solving the challenges of zero-emissions mobility,” commented Timothy Lyons, founder and CEO of Viritech.
As part of the project, Viritech is actively seeking to engage with L-Cat vehicle OEMs and last-mile delivery operators to discuss how the FC REX powertrain can support their specific requirements.