Revolutionizing Zero-Emission Mobility: Viritech's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Range Extender for Light Electric Vehicles
Key Ideas
- Viritech is embarking on a study supported by grants to explore the feasibility of using a hydrogen fuel cell range extender to enhance the range of light electric vehicles.
- The project aims to address limitations faced by battery electric vehicles in challenging scenarios like extreme weather and urban congestion, without compromising on payload capacity.
- By combining portable fuel cells with existing battery packs, Viritech seeks to offer a commercially viable zero-emissions solution, potentially opening a new market for fuel cell technology.
- The company's initiative is lauded for its potential to accelerate the decarbonization of niche vehicle mobility, showcasing a commitment to innovative energy solutions for a sustainable future.
Viritech has initiated a project to explore the use of a hydrogen fuel cell range extender (REX) for light on-and-off highway electric vehicles. The study, supported by grants from The Department for Business and Trade, The Advanced Propulsion Centre, and Niche Vehicle Network, aims to determine the feasibility of integrating portable fuel cells to augment the range of niche vehicles. Viritech believes that by leveraging fuel cells as range extenders, it can enhance the capabilities of vehicles like L-Cat models, which often face range limitations in various conditions. The company hopes to avoid the drawbacks of adding more batteries—such as increased weight and reduced payload capacity—by combining proven portable fuel cell technology with existing battery systems.
Timothy Lyons, the CEO & Founder of Viritech, expressed excitement about the project's potential to drive decarbonization in a challenging segment of the automotive industry. By collaborating with industry stakeholders, Viritech intends to tailor the fuel cell range extender powertrain to meet specific requirements of vehicle OEMs and last mile delivery operators. This initiative not only aims to provide a cost-effective solution for zero-emissions mobility but also to create a new market for fuel cell technology, contributing to the global transition towards sustainability.
Viritech, a cleantech company based in the UK, specializes in hydrogen engineering solutions for various sectors, emphasizing the importance of hydrogen power in achieving zero-emission goals. The company's partnership with The Niche Vehicle Network underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainable vehicle technologies. Through this project, Viritech seeks to redefine possibilities in addressing the challenges of niche vehicle mobility, paving the way for a cleaner and greener future.