FCEVs,
which generate electricity from hydrogen to power an electric motor, are
complimentary to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the journey to net zero
vehicle emissions. Hydrogen-powered FCEVs provide high energy density and rapid
refuelling,and minimal loss of range in low temperatures, making the technology
ideal for larger, longer-range vehicles, or those operated in hot or cold
environments.
Since
2018, the global number of FCEVs on the road has nearly doubled while hydrogen
refuelling stations have increased by more than 20%. By 2030, forecasts predict hydrogen-powered
FCEV deployment could top 10 million with 10000 refuelling stations worldwide.
Jaguar
Land Rover’s advanced engineering project, known as Project Zeus, is part
funded by the government-backed Advanced Propulsion Centre, and will allow
engineers to understand how a hydrogen powertrain can be optimised to deliver
the performance and capability expected by its customers: from range to
refuelling, and towing to off-road ability.
The
zero tailpipe emission prototype New Defender FCEV will begin testing towards
the end of 2021 in the UK to verify key attributes such as off-road capability
and fuel consumption. To deliver Project
Zeus, Jaguar Land Rover has teamed up with world class R&D partners,
including Delta Motorsport, AVL, Marelli Automotive Systems and the UK Battery
Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) to research, develop and create the prototype
FCEV.
Ralph
Clague, Head of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells for Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We know
hydrogen has a role to play in the future powertrain mix across the whole
transport industry, and alongside battery electric vehicles, it offers another
zero tailpipe emission solution for the specific capabilities and requirements
of Jaguar Land Rover’s world class line-up of vehicles. The work done alongside
our partners in Project Zeus will help us on our journey to become a net zero
carbon business by 2039, as we prepare for the next generation of zero tailpipe
emissions vehicles.”