Intelligent Energy develops new fuel cell system for passenger cars
The single stack platform is called the IE-DRIVE. It is capable of 157 kW gross electrical power, which, according to Intelligent Energy, “is higher than any other single stack application that is currently available for the passenger car sector.”
At the same time, the system is smaller. The manufacturer writes that due to its “patented direct water injection technology means DRIVE’s heat exchanger is up to 30% smaller than its competitors at equal net power output.” During tests with an SUV, the unit only measured 0.34m2 and still allowed for a top speed of 130 kph. Moreover, using the direct water injection technology allowed the company to reduce the number of components.
Moreover, Intelligent Energy says the fuel cell system is cheaper than any BEV or ICE solution. If produced in high volumes, the Drive fuel cell system is said to cost around 100 pounds per kilowatt-hour.
According to Intelligent Energy, it is the first time a British manufacturer has presented a fuel cell system like this. The company wants to give “car manufacturers direct access to the smaller, more powerful, turnkey and commercially-viable hydrogen fuel cell solution that is needed to make zero carbon emission mobility a global reality in the passenger car market.”
“With 25% of all passenger cars expected to have hydrogen fuel cell powertrains, this clean technology represents the future,” says David Woolhouse, Intelligent Energy’s Chief Executive. “I’m proud that, as an independent and privately-owned company, Intelligent Energy has developed a breakthrough solution that can open up the market for passenger car manufacturers that need to package a more powerful system into their vehicles.”
The new fuel cell system is the result of a 22-million pound initiative and coorporation with companies such as Intelligent Energy, Changan R&D Centre, Lyra Electronics and Alexander Dennis. It was developed as part of a four-year project named Esther that kicked off in November 2029.
Intelligent Energy is now looking for a “partnership with suitable car manufacturers” to bring its technology to market.
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