Jaguar Land Rover is developing a prototype hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) based on the new Land Rover Defender, as part of its aim for zero tailpipe emissions by 2036. Testing is scheduled to begin this year.
The FCEV concept is part of the brand’s Reimagine strategy, announced last month, alongside a plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039.
FCEVs, which generate electricity from hydrogen to power an electric motor, are complementary to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the journey to net zero vehicle emissions.
Hydrogen-powered FCEVs provide high energy density and rapid refuelling, and minimal loss of range in low temperatures, making the technology ideal for larger, longer-range vehicles, or those operated in hot or cold environments.
Since 2018, the global number of FCEVs on the road has nearly doubled, while hydrogen refuelling stations have increased by more than 20 per cent. By 2030, forecasts predict hydrogen-powered FCEV deployment could top 10 million.
At the same time, there is expected to be 10,000 refuelling stations worldwide. In this instance, JLR’s advanced engineering project, known as Project Zeus, is part funded by the UK government-backed Advanced Propulsion Centre.
It will allow engineers to understand how a hydrogen powertrain can be optimised to deliver performance and capability expected by its customers: from range to refuelling, and towing to off-road ability.
The zero tailpipe emission prototype Defender FCEV will begin its UK testing towards the end of 2021, to verify key attributes such as off-road capability and fuel consumption.
To deliver Project Zeus, Jaguar Land Rover has teamed up with world class R&D partners, including Delta Motorsport, AVL, Marelli Automotive Systems and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) to research, develop and create the prototype FCEV.
Ralph Clague, Head of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells for Jaguar Land Rover, said:
“We know hydrogen has a role to play in the future powertrain mix across the whole transport industry, and alongside battery electric vehicles, it offers another zero tailpipe emission solution for the specific capabilities and requirements of Jaguar Land Rover’s world class line-up of vehicles,” JLR’s head of hydrogen and fuel cells, Ralph Clague said.
“The work done alongside our partners in Project Zeus will help us on our journey to become a net zero carbon business by 2039, as we prepare for the next generation of zero tailpipe emissions vehicles.”
