Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks Could Finally Beat Diesel Trucks in Efficiency
Photo: Loop Energy
A hydrogen fuel cell company says it’s overcome a major hurdle in the adoption of commercial fuel cell EVs. Loop Energy’s latest fuel cell system can get better fuel economy than a diesel engine, according to Reuters. Loop’s new efficiency could finally make fuel cells a viable alternative to diesel in commercial trucks.
The catch, however, is that Loop Energy’s hydrogen fuel cells can outdo diesel engines only at current prices of their respective fuels. Based on the latest prices of diesel in Europe, at about $7.23 per gallon, a truck could travel just over 109 miles on $100 worth of fuel; a comparable truck powered by Loop Energy’s S1200 fuel cell system could travel over 111 miles on $100 worth of fuel.
Photo: Loop Energy
It’s a small difference of two miles, but it’s nonetheless a step forward, which Loop Energy claims will speed up adoption of hydrogen-powered EVs in the commercial sector by a few years. Loop’s CEO Ben Nyland went on, saying:
The S1200 brings world-leading fuel efficiency levels for medium to heavy-duty vehicles, crucially making the total cost of ownership lower and bringing fuel cost parity forward by four-to-eight years.
G/O Media may get a commission
Save 10%
Apollo Wearable Wellness Wristband
Use it day or night
As most smartwatches and similar wearables simply track your health and wellness, the Apollo seeks to actively improve it. This non-invasive tool sends silent, soothing vibrations meant to improve focus, benefit sleep, and help you feel relaxed and in control.
The S1200 fuel cell system has a peak output of 161 horsepower, which isn’t much compared to the average diesel-powered semi, but the proprietary design of Loop Energy’s fuel cell systems shows promise. The U.S. company famously known for its diesel engines, Cummins, holds more than a 20 percent stake in Loop Energy, making it Loop’s biggest shareholder.
Weaning big trucks — and the freight industry — off diesel has been even harder than getting commuters to switch to EVs. And that’s to say nothing of the little success companies like Toyota and Hyundai have had with FCEVs. Major truck makers like Daimler and Volvo are are already producing fully-electric models, but commercial trucks would need big batteries that are too heavy to be viable.
Hydrogen fuel cell systems are arguably better for long-haul trucks since they eliminate the need for heavy batteries, and can be refueled (not recharged) about as easily as diesel trucks. But up until now, fuel cell systems had been less efficient than diesel engines. That’s slowly changing thanks to advancements like those from Loop Energy. Now, the only problem FCEVs have to overcome is a major lack of hydrogen infrastructure. And that might be a while.
Photo: Loop Energy
