Ford Explores Three-Year Hydrogen Fuel Cell E-Transit Trial for Enhanced Zero-Emission Driving
Discover how Ford leads the way in hydrogen fuel cell
technology with its three-year E-Transit trial. Enhance your commercial fleet's
zero-emission driving range and efficiency. Finlay Ford in Naas is your trusted
dealer for Ford commercial vehicles.
In a bid to revolutionize the commercial vehicle sector and
reduce emissions, Ford is taking a pioneering step by leading an innovation
consortium to test hydrogen fuel cell technology on its all-electric Ford
E-Transit. This three-year project aims to evaluate the potential of hydrogen
as an onboard energy source, enabling enhanced zero-emission driving range and
faster refuelling for delivery van operators. Supported by the Advanced
Propulsion Centre (APC) and partnered with leading automotive technology and
fleet operator companies, Ford aims to determine the feasibility and
infrastructure requirements of hydrogen fuel cells for future commercial
vehicles.
Driving Innovation with Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Ford's consortium, consisting of six renowned partners,
including Ocado Retail, bp, Cambustion, Viritech, and Cygnet Texkimp, brings
together expertise in various areas of hydrogen fuel cell technology. By
combining Ford's 57-year experience as the UK's van market leader with the
proficiency of fuel cell powertrain experts and fleet operators, this project
seeks to integrate zero-carbon auto tech seamlessly into commercial vehicles.
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through the
combination of hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water as a byproduct. The
fuel cell system acts as a "gas battery," offering extended driving
range and faster charging capabilities compared to conventional electric
vehicle (EV) batteries. This technology is particularly beneficial for vehicles
with heavy-duty use cases, such as long-distance transportation, maximum loads,
ancillary equipment like chillers, and limited charging opportunities during a
working shift.
The Path to Clean Deliveries
Ford's commitment to clean and sustainable deliveries is
reflected in its exploration of fuel cell technology for its commercial
vehicles. By leveraging the expertise gained from decades of fuel cell research
and development, Ford aims to offer emission-free options for its largest,
heaviest commercial vehicles while meeting the energy demands of its customers.
This initiative aligns with Ford's "Road to Better" sustainability
commitment, with its European operations on track to become carbon neutral by
2035.
A Collaborative Research Project
The three-year project will involve a test fleet of eight
hydrogen fuel cell Ford E-Transits, running for six-month periods until 2025.
These prototype vehicles will be equipped with a high-power fuel cell stack and
advanced hydrogen storage capability, prioritizing safety, capacity, cost, and
weight. The comprehensive data collected from the test fleet will provide
valuable insights into the total cost of ownership and operation of large vans
with enhanced zero-emission range and uptime comparable to diesel-powered
equivalents.
Pioneering Sustainable Solutions
By spearheading this hydrogen fuel cell E-Transit project,
Ford is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for the commercial
vehicle industry. This research initiative not only validates the business case
for hydrogen fuel cell technology but also addresses critical factors such as
hydrogen usage, refuelling infrastructure, fuel cell system testing, and
hydrogen storage design. Moreover, the project emphasizes the importance of
efficient and viable recycling of end-of-life components, further contributing
to a circular economy.
Ford's three-year hydrogen fuel cell E-Transit trial is a
significant step toward achieving enhanced zero-emission driving for commercial
vehicles. With a focus on increasing range, reducing refuelling time, and
optimizing operational costs, this project aims to transform the way delivery
van operators approach sustainability. By collaborating with industry leaders
and leveraging its vast expertise, Ford is driving innovation and shaping the
future of clean transportation. With these advancements, Ford's commitment to a
sustainable future comes closer to reality, benefitting both businesses and the
environment.
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