Hydrogen fuel cells can match diesel engines for reliability and cost, and are a particularly useful solution for large truck fleets running regular routes, according to Ben Nyland, CEO of hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer Loop Energy.

Loop manufactures two products. Range extenders can be used to extend the possible distance travelled by personal electric vehicles (EVs) between charges by improving their battery life. EVs are suitable for transport in urban environments where speeds are low and batteries can be recharged regularly, including through regenerative braking.

While most EVs can travel 100-200 miles on an average charge, vehicles using hydrogen fuel cells can travel up to 300 miles.

It also manufactures fuel cells that drive the powertrain themselves, which are more suited for long-haul fleet transport routes where greater range is a key consideration. Haulage routes offer the perfect opportunity to trial fuel cell technology in specific areas ahead of a wider rollout, according to Nyland.

“Most countries have plans to decarbonise transport with the central pillar being electrification,” he said. “Fuel cells can be a key part of that electrification strategy.”

Hydrogen fuel cells are a particularly attractive technology to policymakers because they can help reduce diesel emissions along busy roads, particularly in urban areas. Canada, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand have all developed transport strategies that involve the use of hydrogen. 

The EU has also identified hydrogen fuel cells as a key technology to decarbonise the transport sector, establishing a Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Understanding with industry in order to support R&D in the sector.

Industry body Hydrogen Europe says there are 90 buses in European cities running on hydrogen fuel cells, while the number of refuelling stations across Europe is set to rise from 20 to 50 over the next two years.

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Author: Tom Young