There’s a growing movement to accelerate ultra-low-emission internal-combustion-engine technologies as a way of rolling out the hydrogen infrastructure for future fuel-cell electric vehicles.
Two major initiatives are announced within a week starting with Korean automaker KGM (formerly SsangYong Motors), which signs an agreement with ICE powertrain component specialist Phinia Delphi France SAS to jointly develop hydrogen-burning engines.
The move is part of a South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy national project to promote low-carbon technologies and practices to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
The companies hope to develop a 2.0L hydrogen-burning diesel-type-powered vehicle that meets NOx emission regulations and achieves a driving range of more than 310 miles (499 km) to suit the needs of both passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
KGM will adapt Phinia’s fuel injection equipment system, engine management system and ECU technology into its in-house-developed diesel engines.
Both companies expect the engine development to also form the basis of a compact powerplant to be used for Extended-Range Electric Vehicles.
A spokesperson for the automaker says: “Eco-friendly hydrogen engines are a crucial next-generation powertrain technology. The hydrogen engine developed through this collaboration will be applicable not only to vehicles but also to construction and industrial machinery. Leveraging KGM’s unique ICE expertise, we aim to pioneer the alternative fuel market and expand the eco-friendly pickup segment, targeting niche opportunities in the ICE market.”
Meanwhile in the U.K., Mahle Powertrain announces the testing of its heavy-duty truck application of hydrogen ICE technology.
Backed by £9.8 million ($12.1 million) in government funding, the project plans to retrofit hydrogen fuel use in existing heavy-duty truck engines. It also hopes to provide a clear path to decarbonizing engines with hydrogen combustion using current platforms and infrastructure.
The scheme is using Mahle’s technology-flexible testing facility in Northampton, in the East Midlands of England, combined with the company’s experience with alternative fuels such as hydrogen and methanol.
This facility has the capacity to hold two tube-trailers on-site with rapid switch-over between them to ensure a near-continuous supply of hydrogen. Upgraded engine dynamometers with 1,206 hp and 2,950 lb.-ft. (4,000 Nm) nominal torque capacity can support key heavy-duty demands.
The project responds to recently revised CO2 emissions standards set by the European Union requiring a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, rising to 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2040. Meeting this accelerated timetable, which now also applies to a broader range of vehicles, represents a significant challenge.
Also in response to this legislation, the U.K. government has committed £8.3 billion ($10.3 billion) in its new Great British Energy entity to invest in the hydrogen industry and up to £21.7 billion ($26.9 billion) for the carbon capture industry to pave the way for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Jonathan Hall, Mahle Powertrain’s head of research and advanced engineering, says: “Hydrogen combustion engines are well-suited to heavy-duty, long-distance applications that are hard to electrify. Its use allows industry to take advantage of years of development and investment as a means to accelerate the transition towards net zero. Our facilities have been designed for this type of advanced work with a dedicated hydrogen supply, in-house-developed monitoring and safety systems, and high-torque dynamometers that are ideally suited to the testing and calibration phase of this project.”
