Mercedes introduces the world's first plug-in hybrid fuel cell production car with the GLC SUV. This innovative vehicle combines hydrogen fuel cell technology with a battery pack for a 50km electric range.
The compact fuel cell unit is 30% smaller, 30% more efficient, and uses 90% less platinum compared to previous models. It fits into a standard Mercedes engine compartment, allowing for potential future hydrogen variants. The GLC F-Cell is driven by an electric motor attached to the rear wheels and offers versatility in powertrain layout.
Additionally, Mercedes plans to equip the S500e with similar battery pack technology and wireless charging capability. Despite advancements in electrification, Mercedes remains optimistic about the future of the internal combustion engine (ICE) and aims to continue offering diverse powertrain options.
BMW has joined the ranks of automakers investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology alongside Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai. Despite focusing on battery technology for electric vehicles, BMW has been exploring hydrogen fuel cell powertrain technologies as part of its Power of Choice strategy.
The company recently provided virtual insights into the powertrain system for the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT, emphasizing its commitment to emission-free mobility and catering to market and customer requirements.
BMW has been collaborating with Toyota Motor Corporation on fuel cell technology since 2013. The partnership aims to develop scalable and modular fuel cell powertrain systems for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
The BMW i Hydrogen NEXT will feature a fuel cell stack generating 170hp from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapor. The vehicle will also integrate a fifth-generation eDrive unit for added dynamics, with a total output of 374hp.
Equipped with 700 bar tanks capable of holding 6kg of hydrogen, the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT can be refueled in three to four minutes. The company plans to pilot this hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain in a small series based on the current X5, with a customer offering expected in the second half of the decade.
In addition to its collaboration with Toyota, BMW is involved in research to develop compact hydrogen storage tanks for future vehicle architectures. The project, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, aims to lower the cost of manufacturing hydrogen tanks for fuel cell vehicles and make them competitive with battery electric vehicles.
The Hydrogen Insight investigation uncovers concerning trends in hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) registrations across Europe. Despite efforts to expand hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, most European markets are seeing stagnating or declining FCEV registrations. Here are the key findings:
Data from European countries with hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) shows declines or flat registrations in FCEVs, except for three nations. Germany experienced a drastic 70% drop in new FCEV registrations in 2023. France, the UK, and Czechia are exceptions, with over ten FCEV registrations per HRS. Despite having many HRSs, Switzerland and the Netherlands also saw FCEV registrations decline.
France saw a 56% increase in FCEV sales, driven by strategic initiatives.
The UK witnessed a remarkable 261% increase in FCEV registrations in 2023.
Legislative mandates in the EU aim to bolster hydrogen infrastructure by 2030.
Despite challenges, optimism remains for future growth in the hydrogen mobility sector. While FCEV registrations face hurdles in Europe, collaborative efforts and legislative support pave the way for a promising future in hydrogen mobility. 🌱🚗