Project Cavendish: Accelerating Hydrogen Innovation in Heavy-Duty Transport
Key Ideas
- MAHLE Powertrain's Project Cavendish, backed by APC UK, focuses on fast-tracking hydrogen solutions for heavy-duty haulage, aligning with EU's emission targets.
- The specialized testing facility in Northampton equips the industry with cutting-edge technologies for optimizing hydrogen combustion engines in existing truck platforms.
- Partnerships with leading companies like PHINIA and BorgWarner enhance fuel injection advancements, expanding hydrogen's use beyond road transport to rail, aviation, and maritime sectors.
- Jonathan Hall highlights the significance of hydrogen combustion engines in hard-to-electrify applications, positioning hydrogen as a crucial component in the journey towards net zero emissions.
MAHLE Powertrain has initiated Project Cavendish, a £9.8 million endeavor supported by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), to propel the adoption of hydrogen in heavy-duty transport. The project aims to leverage hydrogen combustion engines (H2-ICE) to decarbonize the sector, aligning with stringent EU emission reduction goals. The Northampton testing facility plays a pivotal role in this initiative, featuring advanced technologies like high-capacity hydrogen storage and dynamometers to optimize existing truck engines for hydrogen use. With EU regulations mandating significant CO2 reductions by 2030 and 2040, industries are under pressure to embrace low-emission alternatives. MAHLE Powertrain's focus on hydrogen research and collaboration with partners like PHINIA and BorgWarner exemplify a commitment to advancing hydrogen technologies for mass adoption. Jonathan Hall underlines the importance of hydrogen in long-haul transport, emphasizing its role in accelerating the transition towards sustainability. The upgraded facility in Northampton ensures uninterrupted testing through continuous hydrogen supply, enhancing heavy-duty performance testing. By blending hydrogen combustion with fuel cell technology, MAHLE Powertrain envisions a sustainable future in commercial transport, aligning with evolving emission regulations in the EU and the US. The company's expertise in powertrain engineering and its global presence position it as a key player in driving innovation for efficient and scalable hydrogen solutions.