Mahle Powertrain Expands Facility for Hydrogen Powertrain Testing
Key Ideas
- Mahle Powertrain in Northampton is expanding its facility to accommodate hydrogen powertrain testing, equipped with advanced capabilities for hydrogen-related developments.
- The facility will support the testing of hydrogen fuel cell systems, hydrogen combustion engines, and the conversion of heavy-duty diesel engines to hydrogen combustion.
- With adherence to BCGA guidance on hydrogen handling, the expansion caters to the increasing demand in various sectors for decarbonization through hydrogen technologies.
- Simon Reader highlighted the customer-driven demand for hydrogen-related work and the facility's ability to conduct rigorous testing on heavy-duty engines with specific attention to weight and torque characteristics.
Mahle Powertrain, a subsidiary of the Mahle Group, is enhancing its Northampton facility to focus on hydrogen powertrain testing. The expansion includes the capability to hold two tube-trailers on-site for a continuous hydrogen supply and upgraded engine dynamometers to support hydrogen powertrain development. The facility is already involved in developing hydrogen fuel cell systems, hydrogen combustion engines, and testing hydrogen-fueled vehicles. Additionally, it will start working on an H2-ICE concept to convert heavy-duty diesel engines to hydrogen combustion. The facility strictly adheres to BCGA guidelines for hydrogen storage and handling and utilizes a Mahle Powertrain-designed system in each test cell for safe gas handling. Simon Reader emphasized the facility's response to customer demand and its readiness to conduct comprehensive testing on heavy-duty engines. This expansion caters to the rising interest in hydrogen technologies for decarbonization in various sectors such as off-highway, heavy-duty, and marine industries.