Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle manufacturer Hyzon Motors and energy equipment manufacturer Chart have signed an agreement to develop a liquid hydrogen powered truck with a range of up to 1,000 miles.

Liquid hydrogen storage is twice as dense as 700 bar gaseous storage—currently the most widely used form of the fuel—meaning it can give a vehicle twice the range.

“We are excited to see this application for our liquid onboard hydrogen tank” Evanko, Chart

Liquid-hydrogen-powered vehicles have proved a technical challenge until now because the fuel must be stored at -253°C in tanks but converted into a gas at ambient temperature to power a hydrogen fuel cell.

The technology will reduce the number of hydrogen refuelling stations needed, according to Hyzon CEO Craig Knight.

“With the current technology, fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) provide solutions for back-to-base trucking models,” he says. “The extended range would significantly accelerate the adoption of hydrogen FCEV over-the-road transport solutions given the reduced infrastructure needs and increased refuelling hub utilisation.”

Over-the-road transport is a term used in the industry for long-haul trucking.

Competing with diesel

The improvements in range would make hydrogen vehicles competitive with diesel-powered ones in that area, making them much more attractive to fleet operators.

Range and price-competitiveness are considered to be the two main factors that would make hydrogen vehicles competitive with diesel ones.  

Hydrogen vehicles are already competitive on price in some parts of the world, Knight told a Hydrogen Economist roundtable last month.

Liquid hydrogen technology could pave the way for hydrogen-based, zero-emissions aviation, marine and train transport, according to Jill Evanko, CEO of Chart.

“With our over 55 years making liquid hydrogen equipment, we are excited to see this application for our liquid onboard hydrogen tank,” she says.

Liquefied hydrogen is considered one of the key technologies that could unlock a global trade in hydrogen via the shipping market.

Firms such as Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries have developed liquified hydrogen shipping vessels, but the technology is still in the nascent phase.

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Author: Tom Young