Hydrogen fuel cells pass through catalysts that creates energy.
Hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer Loop Energy (LPEN.TO) said on Sunday that its newest cell technology will provide greater efficiency than diesel engine, at present levels.
The Burnaby British Columbia-based company stated that – based upon the pan-European diesel price that was $1.91 per litre as of Sept. 5, and $10 for each kg of hydrogen, trucks could travel about 111 miles (179 kilometers) using 100 dollars worth of fuel with the company’s new S1200 hydrogen-powered fuel cell as opposed to just over 110 miles using a similar diesel truck.
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In the auto sector, which is making the transition to zero emission electric cars (EVs) big freight truck companies such as Daimler Truck (DTGGe.DE) and Volvo (VOLVb.ST) are investing massively on hydrogen fuel cell technology that can transport freight over long distances, as batteries are too heavy for electric vehicles to be practical.
Hydrogen fuel cells move through a catalyst which generates heat and energy to power a tiny battery that powers the truck. The sole emissions from these cells are water.
Hydrogen fuel cells have had to face two hurdles to their widespread acceptance as they have proved less efficient than diesel, and the infrastructure for fueling in Europe is almost inexistent.
Nyland stated that the new cell system will address the first of those issues.
“This brings the future forward,” Loop Energy Chief Executive Ben Nyland told Reuters. “This product delivers the economics that are needed for adoption today.”
Nyland explained the Loop Energy aims to provide the fuel cell system to start-up truck makers in the form of hydrogen powertrains that are provided to big truck makers by the major suppliers.
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Loop Energy’s largest shareholder is U.S. engine maker Cummins (CMI.N) that has a greater than 20 percent share in Loop Energy.