Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks Could Finally Beat Diesel Trucks in Efficiency

by yJosé Rodríguez Jr. (Jalopnik) Commercial fleets could include FCEVs sooner than expected with the latest fuel economy gains of hydrogen over diesel.

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.

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.

And that’s to say nothing of the little success companies like Toyota and Hyundai have had with FCEVs.

Excerpt from Loop Energy: Loop Energy™ (TSX: LPEN), a designer and manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cells for commercial mobility, will unveil its landmark 120 kW fuel cell system at IAA Transportation 2022 in Hannover, Germany, today.

The announcement marks a milestone for Loop Energy as it believes this new product is a significant achievement in advancing the global hydrogen industry and the transition of commercial transport industries by achieving fuel cost parity with diesel by up to eight years earlier than previously possible.

The 120 kW fuel cell system, the S1200, builds on Loop Energy’s existing technology, to provide an additional efficiency gain of 20% when it generates electricity. The S1200 is designed to deliver up to 60% in net system efficiency⁽¹⁾, this efficiency enables an electric vehicle powered by a Loop Energy fuel cell to deliver up to 54%⁽²⁾ fuel to wheel efficiency compared to the typical fuel to wheel efficiency delivered by a diesel engine powered vehicle of 20% to 25%⁽³⁾.

Loop Energy believes the S1200 and its next-generation technology will significantly benefit commercial vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators and associated industries, as well as the global clean energy transition as governments seek to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Loop Energy has achieved this efficiency gain because of its patented eFlow™ fuel cell architecture. Specifically, Loop Energy uses a signature trapezoid plate with narrowing channels for its bipolar plates, which increases gas velocity down the plate to deliver superior performance for fuel efficiency, and power output.

For fleet managers, operators of commercial vehicles and the wider hydrogen infrastructure market, that means less hydrogen fuel used per kilometre, lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO) of hydrogen-electric commercial vehicles.

Fuel costs make up roughly half of the total cost of ownership for heavy-duty hydrogen vehicles, which makes advancement in fuel efficiency a significant factor in creating a tipping point for commercial transition from diesel to clean fuels.

Loop Energy’s presence at IAA Transportation 2022 also signifies its commitment to the European continent, where it plans to expand its presence and customer base. Loop Energy already has offices in Italy and the UK, and is actively engaged with OEMs across the region. Loop Energy is also active in Asia, with its new manufacturing facility in Shanghai.

The S1200 opens up a new market for Loop Energy as the product is specifically designed for medium- to heavy-duty commercial vehicles, which is a step up in power range and scope compared to its other fuel cell products.

The S1200 is delivered as a complete fuel cell system which simplifies and quickens integration for vehicle OEMs, and makes it a ready-to-adopt solution for heavy-duty transportation and power system applications.

Loop Energy President & CEO, Ben Nyland said: “With the launch of our new fuel cell system, we are proud to be leading the way in making transport electrification economically viable. 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.”

“We are keen to work with OEMs, governments and the wider hydrogen industry to help meet zero-emission targets. We strongly believe that energy transition must happen now, and hydrogen fuel cell technology is in prime place as an alternative to diesel-powered vehicles.

Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, said: “Very happy to see Canadian companies such as Loop Energy leading in the global clean energy sector. They are creating sustainable jobs for workers, while contributing to our global climate objectives and a better future for everyone.”

Specifications of the S1200 fuel cell system:

Loop Energy is a leading designer and manufacturer of fuel cell systems targeted for the electrification of commercial vehicles, including light commercial vehicles, transit buses and medium and heavy-duty trucks. Loop Energy’s products feature Loop Energy’s proprietary eFlow™ technology in the fuel cell stack’s bipolar plates. eFlow™ is designed to enable commercial customers to achieve performance maximization and cost minimization. Loop works with OEMs and major vehicle sub-system suppliers to enable the production of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. For more information about how Loop Energy is driving towards a zero-emissions future, visit www.loopenergy.com. READ MORE