Viritech's Innovative Approach to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Range Extenders for Light Electric Vehicles
Key Ideas
- Viritech is embarking on a project to explore the integration of hydrogen fuel cell range extenders for on-and-off highway electric vehicles with grant support from various organizations.
- The aim is to address the limitations of battery electric last mile delivery vehicles in terms of range and regulatory compliance while reducing weight and enhancing payload capacity.
- By combining portable fuel cells with existing batteries, Viritech seeks to create a commercially viable zero-emissions solution for niche vehicle mobility applications, potentially opening up a new market for fuel cell technology.
- The initiative is seen as a significant step towards accelerating the global transition to zero-emissions mobility and redefining possibilities in the automotive sector, particularly in challenging segments.
Viritech has initiated a project to investigate the feasibility of incorporating hydrogen fuel cell range extenders (REX) in light on-and-off highway electric vehicles. With support from The Department for Business and Trade, The Advanced Propulsion Centre, and Niche Vehicle Network, Viritech aims to explore the use of fuel cells as range extenders for niche vehicle mobility applications. The project intends to enhance the range and capability of these vehicles while avoiding the drawbacks associated with larger batteries, such as increased weight and reduced payload capacity. By leveraging portable fuel cells alongside existing battery packs, Viritech seeks to introduce a pioneering zero-emissions solution that could potentially create a new market for fuel cell technology. Timothy Lyons, the CEO & Founder of Viritech, expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its potential to drive decarbonization in a challenging segment of the automotive sector. As part of the initiative, Viritech plans to engage with L-Cat vehicle OEMs and last mile delivery operators to tailor the fuel cell range extender powertrain to meet specific requirements. The project is expected to contribute to advancing zero-emissions mobility and showcasing the role of hydrogen in shaping the future of automotive technology.