Breaking boundaries: US DOE's hydrogen-powered truck sets new world record for distance traveled
Key Ideas
  • The US DOE prototype hydrogen fuel cell electric truck, H2Rescue, traveled a record-breaking 1,806 miles on 386 pounds of hydrogen, showcasing its emergency response capabilities.
  • The truck combines an electric drivetrain, hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen storage system, and lithium-ion batteries for zero-emission power, providing 25 kW of power for disaster relief operations.
  • Designed for natural disasters, the H2Rescue functions as a mobile command center or shelter, generating treatable water and saving significant gasoline and cutting greenhouse gas emissions annually.
  • The achievement of setting a new Guinness World Record category highlights the potential of hydrogen fuel cells as a clean, efficient, and environmentally friendly energy solution for emergency response vehicles.
A prototype rescue truck developed by the US Department of Energy (DOE) has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled without refueling. The hydrogen fuel cell electric truck, named H2Rescue, covered an impressive 1,806 miles on 386 pounds of hydrogen, showcasing its emergency response capabilities. The project is a collaboration among various entities including the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, DOE's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, and the US Department of Homeland Security. The H2Rescue serves as a zero-emission fuel cell-powered emergency vehicle designed to offer critical relief in times of natural disasters. The truck combines an electric drivetrain, hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen storage system, and high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries for zero-emission power, providing essential services like power, heat, and water during emergencies. It operates quietly, with only water and heat as byproducts, making it environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. The truck's advanced system enables it to act as a self-propelled generator, delivering power for homes, shelters, or communication trailers while operating with minimal noise, ideal for disaster relief operations. With a high-capacity hydrogen tank, the truck demonstrated its capabilities during a 180-mile journey providing continuous electrical power for 72 hours. In addition to the record-breaking distance achievement, the H2Rescue was showcased on Capitol Hill to present the technology to global decision-makers and received praise for its potential in disaster response scenarios. The project aims to replace traditional emergency response vehicles with hydrogen-powered trucks, potentially saving gasoline and reducing greenhouse gas emissions significantly. The success of the H2Rescue project highlights the benefits of hydrogen fuel cells as a clean, efficient, and sustainable energy solution for emergency vehicles.
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