Jaguar Land Rover is creating a prototype hydrogen gas cell electrical car (FCEV) based mostly on the brand new Land Rover Defender, as a part of its intention for zero tailpipe emissions by 2036. Testing is scheduled to start this yr.
The FCEV idea is a part of the model’s Reimagine technique, introduced final month, alongside a plan to attain web zero carbon emissions throughout its provide chain, merchandise and operations by 2039.
FCEVs, which generate electrical energy from hydrogen to energy an electrical motor, are complementary to battery electrical automobiles (BEVs) on the journey to web zero car emissions.
Hydrogen-powered FCEVs present excessive vitality density and fast refuelling, and minimal lack of vary in low temperatures, making the know-how preferrred for bigger, longer-range automobiles, or these operated in scorching or chilly environments.
Since 2018, the worldwide variety of FCEVs on the street has almost doubled, whereas hydrogen refuelling stations have elevated by greater than 20 per cent. By 2030, forecasts predict hydrogen-powered FCEV deployment may high 10 million.
On the identical time, there may be anticipated to be 10,000 refuelling stations worldwide. On this occasion, JLR’s superior engineering venture, referred to as Mission Zeus, is an element funded by the UK government-backed Superior Propulsion Centre.
It’ll permit engineers to grasp how a hydrogen powertrain might be optimised to ship efficiency and functionality anticipated by its prospects: from vary to refuelling, and towing to off-road means.
The zero tailpipe emission prototype Defender FCEV will start its UK testing in direction of the tip of 2021, to confirm key attributes corresponding to off-road functionality and gas consumption.
To ship Mission Zeus, Jaguar Land Rover has teamed up with world class R&D companions, together with Delta Motorsport, AVL, Marelli Automotive Programs and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) to analysis, develop and create the prototype FCEV.
Ralph Clague, Head of Hydrogen and Gas Cells for Jaguar Land Rover, mentioned:
“We all know hydrogen has a task to play sooner or later powertrain combine throughout the entire transport trade, and alongside battery electrical automobiles, it provides one other zero tailpipe emission answer for the particular capabilities and necessities of Jaguar Land Rover’s world class line-up of automobiles,” JLR’s head of hydrogen and gas cells, Ralph Clague mentioned.
“The work achieved alongside our companions in Mission Zeus will assist us on our journey to change into a web zero carbon enterprise by 2039, as we put together for the following technology of zero tailpipe emissions automobiles.”
