Sustainable fuels Archives | Automotive Powertrain Technology International

Alpine and Phinia continue Formula 1 and Alpenglow partnership

Zahra Awan — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:29:19 +0000

Phinia and Alpine are continuing to work together to drive innovation in high-performance motorsport and advanced propulsion technologies. Under its aftermarket brand Delphi, Phinia will build on its multi-year collaboration with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team as the sport enters a technically and competitively intense period ahead of the 2026 season. For the second consecutive year, the Delphi logo will appear on the team’s single-seaters and associated commercial assets, reinforcing its presence on the global F1 calendar and its reputation as a trusted automotive aftermarket supplier.

“Motorsport has always been a critical environment for accelerating innovation, and our partnership with Alpine reflects a shared belief in the value of engineering-led progress,” said Todd Anderson, chief technology officer, Phinia. “These programs allow us to develop and validate advanced fuel systems technology under the most demanding conditions, supporting both high-performance applications today and the evolution of future propulsion technologies.”

Accelerating hydrogen internal combustion technology

This partnership further advances Phinia’s role in Alpine’s Alpenglow hydrogen program, aimed at maximizing the performance potential of hydrogen internal combustion engines (H₂ICE) in high-performance applications. Leveraging Phinia’s hydrogen direct injection system, Alpine has progressed its Alpenglow Hy4 concept to the new Hy6 hydrogen engine, marking a key technical milestone. The Alpenglow Hy6 now features a six-cylinder configuration and has reached speeds of up to 312.9km/h during demonstrations at the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship and the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Pierre-Jean Tardy, chief engineer, hydrogen, Alpine Racing, said, “Motorsport is evolving rapidly and our strive for continuous innovation requires partners who can keep pace, combining long-term vision with proven engineering depth. Phinia is a trusted technical partner for Alpine, and this partnership reflects the confidence we have in their ability to deliver advanced fuel system solutions pioneering hydrogen internal combustion.”

Anderson added, “Our partnership underlines the capability of H₂ICE technology to meet the demands of top-tier motorsport while supporting longer-term decarbonization ambitions. By applying our hydrogen direct injection expertise in a competitive racing environment, we are helping to demonstrate that H₂ICE can deliver performance, efficiency and control at scale – insights that are critical as the industry explores multiple pathways toward lower-carbon propulsion.”

Nissan unveils solar-powered Ariya concept

Zahra Awan — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:41:52 +0000

Nissan has presented a solar‑powered Ariya concept that it describes as “an exploration of how future electric vehicles could harness the world’s most abundant renewable energy source: the sun.”

Developed by engineers from Nissan’s Advanced Product Planning team in Dubai, UAE, and Powertrain Planning team in Barcelona, Spain, and presented on Clean Energy Day (Jan 26), the concept features 3.8m² of high‑efficiency photovoltaic panels integrated into the hood, roof and tailgate. These polymer and glass-based solar panels convert sunlight into DC power, managed through an advanced controller designed to optimize energy use and reduce reliance on external charging infrastructure.

New EV freedom

Real‑world testing has revealed what the auto maker says is “the transformative potential of the system.” In ideal conditions, the system can deliver up to 23km of additional range per day. In cities with high solar exposure, such as Barcelona, the vehicle can generate an average of 17.6km of daily solar driving range. Year‑round averages show significant gains globally – 10.2km/day in London, UK; 18.9 km/day in New Delhi, India; and 21.2 km/day in Dubai.

With this technology, drivers could reduce their charging frequency by 35–65%, depending on use, and a two‑hour, 80km journey could produce 0.5 kWh of clean energy, adding up to 3km of free, zero‑emission range.

During initial long‑distance testing, including a 1,550km journey between the Netherlands and Barcelona, the concept demonstrated that solar integration could cut annual charging visits for a 6,000km/year commuter from 23 to eight.

A collaboration that turned a bold idea into reality

Nissan partnered with Dutch solar-mobility company Lightyear, which provided a next-generation solar panel technology that Nissan’s engineering teams worked with to explore the potential for electric vehicles to charge themselves.

“The solar‑powered Ariya concept embodies Nissan’s belief that innovation and sustainability must move forward hand‑in‑hand,” said Shunsuke Shigemoto, vice president e-powertrain and internal combustion engine powertrain, technology research and advanced engineering, and chief powertrain engineer, Nissan AMIEO.

“By exploring how vehicles can generate their own renewable energy, we are opening the door to new opportunities for customers – greater freedom, reduced charging dependency, and a cleaner future. This concept is not just a technical milestone; it’s a vision of how Nissan intends to lead the next phase of electric mobility.”

MissionH24 accelerates hydrogen innovation with AVL Racetech simulation technology

Zahra Awan — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:13:23 +0000

AVL Racetech has joined MissionH24, a program led by H24Project and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) focused on developing hydrogen-based, zero-emission powertrains for endurance racing. AVL Racetech (the motorsport division of Austrian tech company AVL) provides advanced vehicle simulation expertise to support the initiative.

MissionH24 aims to demonstrate the performance and competitiveness of hydrogen technologies under real racing conditions, with the aim of creating a zero-CO₂ emission category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With the support of AVL Racetech, the plan is to develop the H24EVO prototype in a targeted manner.

Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and co-president of MissionH24, said, “AVL’s involvement alongside MissionH24 demonstrates the value of our program; the search for decarbonized solutions is essential. AVL’s established reputation in the automotive sector lends tremendous credibility to MissionH24. This collaboration promises to be invaluable.”

AVL Racetech will support the project as a technical partner, bringing its extensive experience in virtual vehicle development. A key element of this contribution will be the AVL VSM Race advanced vehicle simulation software. The fully dynamic simulation platform enables the virtual representation and analysis of complex interactions between the complete vehicle, the powertrain and the energy management system. It therefore reportedly supports the seamless integration of user-defined algorithms into VCU software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) workflows specifically designed to optimize the powertrain performance and energy management strategies of the H24EVO race car.

Jean-Michel Bouresche, CEO of H24Project and co-president of MissionH24, added, “AVL will strengthen MissionH24’s pool of technical partners, all of whom are recognized players in the automotive sector. AVL’s skills and expertise will undoubtedly enable us to achieve MissionH24’s ambitious goals.”

Looking ahead, the technical collaboration is planned to be extended from the virtual environment into full vehicle testing. The partners say that the alliance between AVL Racetech, H24Project and ACO as part of the MissionH24 program is a long-term commitment, with a partnership agreement for the next three years.

Ellen Lohr, director motorsport at AVL List, commented, “AVL Racetech is an established engineering partner in 17 top-tier racing series worldwide. We are connected with the MissionH24 by our shared vision of enabling sustainable motorsports and demonstrating that innovative technologies are tangible, feasible and competitive on the racetrack.”

Honda ends joint fuel cell production with GM

Zahra Awan — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:32:18 +0000

Honda has announced it is to discontinue production of its current fuel cell system, manufactured at the Honda and General Motors (GM) joint venture Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM) in Michigan, before the end of 2026. Going forward, the Japanese auto maker will focus on the next-generation fuel cell system being developed in-house.

FCSM was established in January 2017 in Brownstown, Michigan. Following extensive discussions regarding the continuation of FCSM business, the companies have reached an agreement to discontinue production of fuel cell systems at FCSM.

Honda says it will will continue to leverage next-generation fuel cell system technologies developed independently and strive to further expand its hydrogen business as one of its core businesses.

Recent news, Honda unveils 2026 F1 power unit for Aston Martin

Johnson Matthey opens cutting-edge hydrogen ICE test facility in Sweden

Zahra Awan — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:00:47 +0000

Johnson Matthey has opened its first hydrogen internal combustion engine (H₂ICE) facility, where cutting-edge emission control systems will be tested, strengthening its heavy-duty vehicle testing capabilities.

A H₂ICE uses zero carbon hydrogen fuel in tried-and-tested engine technology, presenting a viable path for decarbonizing medium and heavy-duty transportation, such as trucks and buses.

Announced back in July, the new testing area forms part of JM’s existing site in Gothenburg, Sweden, and has been completed on time and on budget, representing a £2.5m (US$1.67m) investment over three years.

The investment has further expanded JM’s H₂ICE testing capability, enabling it to test full engines for the first time.

Tauseef Salma, JM chief technology officer for clean air, commented, “This investment shows JM is backing H₂ICE as a ready-to-go technology that will enable mobility partners to meet their decarbonization and climate goals. Our state-of-the-art Gothenburg facility positions JM as a world leader in sustainable technology solutions, transforming energy and reducing carbon emissions.”

The Gothenburg installation supports H₂ICE engines up to 600kW (800hp). It will test the performance of catalysts within the wider engine aftertreatment and control systems, providing key insights into the development of hydrogen mobility solutions. Gothenburg is already home to medium and heavy-duty diesel engine test cells.

The H₂ICE investment follows JM’s collaboration with Cummins, and technology partners Phinia and Zircotec, who launched Project Brunel in November 2021. This partnership was successfully concluded in March 2025, delivering proof points towars significant improvements in H₂ICE engine performance and durability.

The new Gothenburg H₂ICE facility includes an on-site hydrogen supply and storage area with a compressor and intermediate storage tank, hydrogen supply and storage up to 413 bar, a hydrogen flow meter and analyzer with exhaust measuring instruments and all appropriate control, sensing and safety systems.

Salma added, “For more than two centuries, JM has helped tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. We continue to do so today because it’s in our DNA. The opening of this new testing facility shows our commitment to strategic partnerships to drive innovation, strengthening the potential of H₂ICE as a net zero pathway for commercial vehicles.”

Hyundai and Singapore team up to boost hydrogen and low-carbon tech

Zahra Awan — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:57:25 +0000

Hyundai Motor Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore to identify opportunities to develop low-carbon technologies, including hydrogen.

The initiative builds on the existing partnership between Hyundai and EDB through the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) – Hyundai’s first global open innovation hub and testbed.

Hyundai is exploring various potential collaborations with Singapore-based companies and startups, as well as the potential use of Singapore’s pipeline network for efficient hydrogen distribution, aiming to address logistical challenges and enhance resource efficiency.

“We are excited to collaborate with the EDB to explore new growth areas, including the development of low-carbon technologies,” said Jaeha Park, vice president and head of the global hydrogen business subdivision at Hyundai. “By bringing our cutting-edge expertise in hydrogen technology, this partnership represents a significant step forward in creating a clean-energy future for Singapore. We look forward to driving impactful solutions that demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as a cornerstone of global sustainability.”

EDB will facilitate Hyundai’s participation in relevant initiatives to build up and apply low-carbon technologies, including potential collaborations with local enterprises and innovation partners to drive technological advances.

“This MoU builds on the strong partnership between EDB and Hyundai Motor Group. The collaboration is closely aligned to Singapore’s commitment to developing a low-carbon economy by supporting companies in sustainable technology development. This will strengthen Singapore’s position as a global innovation hub within Hyundai Motor Group’s global network,” said Zheng Jingxin, vice president and head of mobility at the Singapore Economic Development Board.

Hyundai’s mid- to long-term vision extends globally, as it looks to expand the clean hydrogen ecosystem by integrating eco-friendly energy businesses across neighboring countries, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and advanced infrastructure.

H2Accelerate calls for equal classification of H2 -ICEs with other zero-emission technologies across Europe

Zahra Awan — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 12:24:25 +0000

The H2Accelerate collaboration, with the support of other industry leaders, has published a whitepaper outlining the role of hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles (H2-ICEVs) in accelerating Europe’s zero-emission vehicle deployment.

The report states that H2-ICEVs can help scale the rollout of hydrogen refueling infrastructure by driving early fuel demand, while providing a long-term zero-emission solution for very heavy load road and off-road applications, all while building on Europe’s existing knowledge and manufacturing base. To leverage the opportunity of H2-ICEVs, Europe must provide the right support to enable large-scale adoption of these vehicles before the end of the decade.

The potential of H₂-ICEVs

The white paper discusses how H₂-ICEVs are emerging as a component of Europe’s zero-emission mobility strategy. H₂-ICEVs can now qualify as zero-emission vehicles under the updated Heavy-Duty Vehicles CO₂ standards, published in May 2024. As such, these vehicles present an opportunity to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission transportation solutions before the end of the decade.

Drawing on decades of expertise with conventional internal combustion engines, the automotive sector can repurpose existing manufacturing capacity, supply chains and engineering expertise to scale H2-ICEV deployment. As a result, H₂-ICEVs can achieve scaled deployment by the end of the decade and are projected to be the least upfront capital-intensive zero-emission technology until battery electric (BEV) and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) markets reach higher maturity.

Beyond serving as a transition technology toward FCEVs, H₂-ICEVs are also emerging as a competitive zero-emission solution for particularly high-load applications across a range of distances, including non-road mobile machinery (NRMM).

Furthermore, if deployed at scale, H₂-ICEVs can drive early offtake for the AFIR-mandated pan-European hydrogen refueling station (HRS) network, providing confidence to HRS developers that sufficient demand for hydrogen fuel exists and unlocking scaled investments in this infrastructure. H2-ICEVs have the capacity to deliver immediate carbon reduction benefits while supporting the wider adoption of hydrogen as a transportation fuel, paving the way for future FCEV uptake.

Recommendations to European policymakers

However, despite meeting the definition of zero-emission vehicle, H₂-ICEVs are not yet classified equally with other zero-emission technologies across Europe. H2-ICEVs have been excluded from incentivizing mechanisms and, in some member states, remain unable to refuel from existing HRS infrastructure due to existing energy taxation legislation.

The paper calls on European policymakers to unlock the full potential of H₂-ICEVs and accelerate decarbonization. In the report, it urges EU policymakers to classify hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles (H₂-ICEVs) as zero-emission across all member states and to ensure equal treatment with fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs). This includes aligning taxation exemptions, shared refueling infrastructure and eligibility in zero-emission deployment projects, as well as equal recognition under RED II/III. It also calls for continued funding of hydrogen engine research through programs like Horizon Europe, emphasizing H₂-ICEVs as a cost-effective, scalable path to decarbonizing heavy-duty transport while leveraging Europe’s existing automotive industry.

Hannah Bryson-Jones, spokesperson for the H2Accelerate collaboration, said, “Hydrogen internal combustion engines are emerging as a key component of Europe’s zero-emission mobility strategy. This technology can be deployed rapidly, at scale, and at a cost-competitive price with diesel equivalents, while supporting the growth of a pan-European hydrogen refueling network this decade. With a level policy playing field, H₂-ICEVs can accelerate the decarbonization of heavy-duty transport and support a widespread hydrogen refueling network.”

BMW launches demo fleet run on vegetable oil and calls for sustainability-led action

Zahra Awan — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:31:32 +0000

With over 250 million vehicles currently on Europe’s roads, increasing the share of renewable fuels in fleets offers a major opportunity to reduce CO2 emissions. This week, BMW Group demonstrated a technical solution to prove that all BMW diesels can be fueled exclusively with HVO100. (HVO is hydrotreated vegetable oil, and the 100 suffix indicates that it is 100% pure.)

Martin Kaufmann, head of powertrain development at BMW, said, “Our goal is always to have more environmentally friendly and efficient vehicles on the road. With the diesel replacement fuel HVO100, we have an opportunity to reduce the CO2 footprint of vehicle fleets. Especially in the area of fuels that are not based on fossil fuels, we see potential that we are ready to realize.”

Bernhard Kuhnt, head of sales region Europe at BMW, added, “Fleet customers are extremely important for sales in Europe, and at the same time diesel remains a very good powertrain technology for many fleets. The use of HVO100 offers a way to quickly reduce CO2 emissions that takes into account individual use cases – whether driving long distances or towing a trailer – and can thus help our fleet customers reduce their CO2 footprint.”

Initial contractual agreements with the operators of large BMW diesel fleets in Germany and Italy are imminent, the company has said. These test fleets, together with the internal BMW Group fleet that has already been launched, will provide important data and findings to improve the technical solution.

Since January 2025, all BMW diesel models produced in Germany have been filled with HVO100 before delivery to dealers. Neste MY Renewable Diesel HVO100 is used at the BMW Group plants in Munich, Dingolfing, Regensburg and Leipzig.

The fuel from Finnish manufacturer Neste enables a CO2e reduction of up to 90% well to wheel, compared with fossil diesel. The initial filling at the plants before delivery to BMW Group dealers is five to eight liters, depending on the model.

Regulatory framework conditions must catch up

To accelerate the uptake of renewable fuels across the market, BMW is calling for the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) – including national quotas that require at least a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from fuels – to be transposed into national law by 2025.

Dr Thomas Becker, head of policy, external relations and sustainability at BMW, stated, “The BMW Group demands that every measure to reduce CO2 emissions is taken into account at every stage of a vehicle’s lifecycle. This also includes the use of renewable fuels – especially for vehicles that primarily run on CO2-neutral fuel (CNF). These must be formally recognized in EU fleet legislation. The fuels are available; what we need now is a pragmatic and quickly implementable regulation that enables companies to develop innovations and make them marketable.”

gulation that enables companies to develop innovations and make them marketable.”

UK can lead in hydrogen fuel cell innovation for heavy transportation, APC says

Zahra Awan — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:44:13 +0000

Hydrogen fuel cells and associated storage will play a key role in decarbonizing medium- and heavy-duty transportation, according to a report released by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC).

The report focuses on four significant innovation opportunities: fuel cell stack developments, including membranes and catalysts; fuel cell balance of plant developments, such as thermal management and fluid handling; hydrogen compressed gas storage and structural integration; and thermal and pressure regulation for the onboard hydrogen storage.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell System and Storage Innovation Opportunities Report highlights significant investment potential in the UK, particularly in advanced technologies such as fuel cell balance of plant, innovative storage tank materials (including carbon fibers and polymers) and fuel cell stack components.

Dr Hadi Moztarzadeh, head of technology trends at APC, said, “The UK has an opportunity to grow its fuel cell system and hydrogen storage capability. By focusing on the innovation areas identified in this report, we can fill the supply chain gaps and scale up manufacturing to support the increased European demand of up to 100,000 fuel cell trucks annually.”

Moztarzadeh continued, “The report identifies key areas for R&D across the hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen storage value chain, with a focus on the UK supply chain. It also highlights some of the barriers to anchoring the value added for such innovation and technological development in the transport sector.

“Challenges surrounding supply, infrastructure and cost remain a key barrier for investment and implementation of these technologies. Fuel cell-based truck sales are on track, but the UK risks falling behind the curve if we don’t scale up. The UK has existing expertise, funding mechanisms and the capability to play a leading role in this sector.”