FCEVs
What are FCEVs?
FCEV stands for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle. FCEVs are a type of vehicle that use compressed hydrogen gas as fuel to generate electric power via a highly efficient energy converter, a fuel cell. The fuel cell transforms the hydrogen directly into electricity to power an electric engine.
Why use FCEVs?
The distinguishing attribute and main benefit of these vehicles is that when driven they produce zero harmful tail pipe emissions, with water vapour being their only by-product. Additionally, since fuel cells do not rely on combustion and have few moving parts, they significantly reduce noise emissions.
FCEVs use hydrogen which is a very versatile fuel that can be generated from a wide range of sources, including renewable. Even when hydrogen is generated from natural gas, as it is done conventionally, the fuel cell can significantly reduce the amount of carbon emissions compared to a diesel engine. When produced from low carbon sources (renewable, biomass or nuclear energy), the carbon emissions are completely eliminated.
In short, FCEVs offer a cleaner, quieter and more efficient mobility option when compared to conventional vehicles.
Key benefits
FCEVs have a key role to play in the decarbonisation of the transport sector, offering three significant benefits to Europe and to the wider, global economy:
ENERGY SECURITY
As hydrogen is widely available and can be produced from a variety of local renewable processes, it offers independence from the over-reliance on energy imports.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS
Decarbonising the transport sector will reduce emissions, limit the impact of damaging climate change and improve human health well into the future. Hydrogen has a critical role to play in contributing to this.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Europe has developed extensive expertise in the area of hydrogen and fuel cell electric vehicles technology. The development of a new hydrogen-based transport sector provides the opportunity to create new businesses, new jobs and wider economic growth for Europe.
Vehicles deployed under H2ME
Two types of fuel cell electric vehicle were deployed under H2ME: fuel cell electric cars and fuel cell range-extended vans. The fuel cell powertrain is a modular assembly. Various configuration concepts can thus be realized in the vehicle with the spatial design of different vehicle models being taken into consideration. The fuel cell powertrain comprises the following key components: fuel cell stack, system module, hydrogen tanks, battery, and electric Motor.
Fuel Cell Electric cars
The Daimler GLC F-CELL is set to combine innovative fuel-cell and battery technology in the form of a plug-in hybrid: in addition to hydrogen it will also run on electricity. With 4.4 kg of hydrogen on board, the preproduction model produces enough energy for a range of up to 437* km in the NEDC. F-CELL drivers will also benefit from a range of up to 49 km in the NEDC thanks to the large lithium-ion battery and its output of 147 kW.
The Toyota Mirai (which means ‘future’ in Japanese) signals the start of a new age of vehicles. Using hydrogen – an important future energy carrier – as fuel to generate electricity, the Mirai achieves superior environmental performance with the convenience and driving pleasure expected of any car. The Mirai is fitted with two 700 bar hydrogen tanks enough to provide a driving range of 500 km. It is the first mass produced sedan fuel cell vehicle with excellent performance of 113 kW and a low centre of gravity.
The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell houses an advanced Honda built fuel cell stack in the engine compartment. As a result, the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell sedan is capable of seating five occupants. Its powertain delivers 130 kW and 300 Nm maximum torque. The Clarity Fuel Cell offers a generous range of 650 km (NEDC) with hydrogen stored at 700 bar.
The B-Class F-Cell (Daimler) vehicles are fitted with a 700-bar hydrogen tank in the sandwich floor unit. Its electric motor develops an output of 100 kW, with a torque of 290 Nm, and thus has the power rating of a two-litre gasoline engine. The zero-emission drive system consumes the equivalent of 3.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (NEDC).
Fuel Cell Range-Extended Vans
A new generation of parts manufacturer, Symbio designs hydrogen fuel cell kits that can be incorporated into various different types of electric vehicles (utility vehicles, vans, buses, heavy-goods vehicles, boats, etc.) and are associated with a range of digital services (vehicle repairs, remote fleet management, etc.). Once equipped in this way, these vehicles provide enhanced ease of use (full in three minutes, autonomy twice that of their battery equivalents, etc.) while remaining “zero emissions”. There are several hundred of these vehicles – for the most part, light utility vehicles such as the Kangoo ZE H2) – on the roads in France and across Europe. Founded in 2010, the CEA, ENGIE and Michelin all own a stake in Symbio.
Driving Experience
Drivers of FCEVs do not need to compromise in terms of practicality and performance, with FCEVs providing a smoother, quieter and more responsive driving experience than conventional petrol and diesel cars. FCEVs are based on durable and compact systems which provide a consistent driving character regardless of the environment or climate.
RANGE
The FCEVs currently being prepared for commercialisation have a driving range comparable to petrol and diesel vehicles, typically between 385 and 700 km (240 and 435 miles) on a full tank.
REFUELLING TIME
Industrial gas companies have developed hydrogen fuel dispensing systems that are safe and simple to use. International standards ensure compatibility between refuelling stations and vehicles, and the refuelling process takes around 3 to 5 minutes offering refuelling times similar to those of conventional petrol or diesel cars.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Drivers of FCEVs do not need to compromise in terms of practicality and performance, with FCEVs providing a smoother, quieter and more responsive driving experience than conventional petrol and diesel cars. FCEVs are based on durable and compact systems which provide a consistent driving character regardless of the environment or climate.
