Bosch trialling FCEV vans
The German auto engineering specialist says it’s achieving very promising results from two prototype vans powered by hydrogen fuel cellsBosch says it’s blazing a trail with two hydrogen fuel cell-powered large vans, which have demonstrated a range capability of 540 kilometres with a refuelling time of just six minutes.
Utilising a Volkswagen Crafter base already equipped with a battery-electric drivetrain, Bosch says it’s removed the batteries and associated components and replaced them with a hydrogen fuel cell of largely Bosch’s own components.
“The fuel cell enables long ranges and short refuelling times, which makes long journeys more economical,” says Dr. Markus Heyn, member of the Bosch board of management and chairman of the Mobility Solutions business sector.
“With the two fuel cell vans, we are expanding our understanding of the system and showing that the fuel cell can also be a suitable drive solution for light commercial vehicles.”
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German ingenuity
In developing the prototypes, Bosch has partnered with fellow Germany company ABT eLine GmbH, which designed and converted the vans in partnership with Bosch Engineering GmbH.
The pre-existing batteries and peripherals were replaced by the fuel cell, five hydrogen storage tanks (with a total capacity of 10kg), and a smaller lithium-ion battery.
“Accommodating the fuel cell components in the available installation space was a major challenge,” says Dr. Uwe Gackstatter, president of the Bosch Powertrain Solutions division.
While ABT eLine adapted the cooling system, the vehicle control system, and the electrical system, Bosch designed the fuel cell system, integrated it into the vehicle together with the hydrogen storage system, and developed the associated control system.
After passing a number of engineering tests, the two test vehicles were granted approval for road use.
Just the beginning
While FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) technology is gaining serious momentum, Bosch says there’s still much to be done to bring viable transport solutions to the market.
“We need as much data as possible from real driving operations to develop the system further,” explains Gackstatter.
“Industry and politics must work together to remove obstacles to hydrogen technologies,” he continues, citing the issues of hydrogen infrastructure and the production of green hydrogen as two prime concerns that can only be solved in partnership.
The Bosch FCEV vans will be displayed at the upcoming IAA commercial vehicle expo in Hanover, Germany, from September 20 to 25.
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