Honda fuel-cell semi truck supersizes hydrogen tech

Honda stays dedicated to hydrogen fuel-cell autos, however the marketplace for these autos stays restricted. So Honda is different makes use of for gasoline cells — together with business vehicles.

To point out how that might work, Honda transformed a semi truck to fuel-cell energy, changing its diesel engine with three fuel-cell modules. Collectively, the three modules produce a mixed 321 horsepower, and might propel the truck to a prime velocity of 70 mph. There’s sufficient onboard hydrogen storage capability for a 400-mile vary with a full load, Honda claims.

The modules, which have been co-developed by Honda and Normal Motors, have larger sturdiness and value one-third lower than previous-generation fuel-cell techniques, Honda claims. They’re already being manufactured at a Honda/GM joint-venture manufacturing facility in Michigan. They simply want the precise utility.

Whereas a Honda press launch stated the automaker is “actively searching for enterprise collaborations” for fuel-cell tech in North America, the semi truck is a one-off for now. Honda may be onto one thing, although, as a number of different automakers have zeroed in on semi vehicles as a very good use for gasoline cells.

Toyota and Kenworth have constructed a small fleet of demonstration vehicles used on the ports of Los Angeles and Lengthy Seaside, California. Final 12 months it introduced plans to produce fuel-cell powertrain kits to Kenworth and sibling model Peterbilt for manufacturing vehicles. Hyundai is anticipated to carry fuel-cell semis to California for testing, and GM in 2021 introduced a take care of truck maker Navistar to construct 2,000 fuel-cell autos.

These initiatives might assist cut back emissions from semi vehicles, reducing the carbon footprint of the products they haul. Whereas battery-powered vehicles just like the Tesla Semi do exist, present battery tech means getting sufficient vary for longer hauls includes prohibitively giant battery packs. Gasoline-cell autos’ fast refueling occasions might additionally make them extra engaging to operators than battery-powered autos, which, even with advances like megawatt charging, take some time to get better vary.

Honda sees business vehicles as one in all 4 fundamental areas of focus for fuel-cell tech, together with stationary energy sources, building equipment, and passenger automobiles. Within the latter space, Honda additionally just lately unveiled the 2025 CR-V e:FCEV, a hybrid that mixes gasoline cells with a battery pack that may be charged by plugging in, as in a traditional EV or plug-in hybrid. It’s a follow-up to the Readability Gasoline Cell that was discontinued after the 2021 mannequin 12 months.

Just like the Readability Gasoline Cell, the CR-V e:FCEV will solely be accessible in California, although. That’s as a result of California is the one state with ample public hydrogen infrastructure. Honda hopes that different use instances like semi vehicles will enhance total demand for hydrogen and spur growth of extra of this infrastructure, making fuel-cell automobiles extra viable. And if that doesn’t occur, Honda continues to be creating a brand new era of battery-electric autos dubbed the 0 Sequence, slated to debut in 2026.

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