Next-generation hydrogen engines should not have arrived until at least 2026, according to the major manufacturers. However, it seems that one of them has just gone ahead and is marketing authentic models that border on the futuristic. We show you which ones are going to put an end to FCEVs as you knew them until now (and they are not as you imagine).
New hydrogen engines: neither American, nor German, but from this country
FFCEVs (fuel cell electric vehicles) have been undeniably the representation of the future hydrogen powered transportation for a long time. FCEVs operate with hydrogen stored on board; the fuel cell transforms the latter to electricity, which then drives the electric motor.
This zero-emission technology has logged great investment & attention with investors and other entities alike. Some of the major auto manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai or Honda are already at the commercial stage with their “H” models.
The Korean giants of the automotive industry, Hyundai and Kia, are rolling out the next wave of engines, which are hydrogen based, for the commuter cars. Unlike existing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) which affect electricity generating through fuel cell engine, this new engine combusts hydrogen directly.
These are the developments that are signified by such a technology and thus help speed up the adoption of hydrogen-fueled transportation. The South Korean automotive industry advertises the engines as “uncompromising in performance”.
Not as easy as it seems: the problem of new hydrogen engines
The new hydrogen powered family of engines announced by Hyundai and Kia signify significant progress in the field of hydrogen vehicle technology. Instead of doing hydrogen combustion to power fuel cells in order to supply electricity to the vehicle, these modified engines process slightly enriched hydrogen.
The compressed hydrogen serves as the fuel, being injected into the cylinders and ignited upon compression like gasoline in a conventional internal combustion engine. The full combustion of the hydrogen in the engine which ultimately transmits power to propel the vehicle is accomplished.
Running a fuel cell producing hydrogen as a regular fuel in a car remains under a complexity and the otherwise issues related to the size, weight and cost of the system. Fuel cells necessitate production of lots of auxiliary features, that include hydrogen tanks, fuel cells stacks, high voltage battery and motors among others.
Why are they a new generation? The characteristics of these hydrogen engines
Hyundai, Kia, and the Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM) have jointly developed an all-new hydrogen combustion engine. This engine has been specifically engineered to burn hydrogen as fuel instead of gasoline.
The new hydrogen engine provides the power and range of a traditional internal combustion engine, while only emitting water vapor from the tailpipe. Unlike hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, this technology does not require high-pressure hydrogen tanks, fuel cell stacks, or electric motors.
Key technical specifications of the hydrogen engine include:
- Displacement of 3.5 liters.
- Maximum power output of 136 kW.
- Torque rating of 30.6 kg·m.
- Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards.
- Optimized hydrogen combustion with precise air/fuel mixture control.
This joint development project between the automakers and research institute demonstrates the potential for hydrogen engines to play a major role in future transportation. The technology provides a promising zero-emission solution without the drawbacks of current FCEVs.
These new hydrogen engines not only open a new generation, but also give a boost to the spread of FCEVs on our roads. The key is the willingness of manufacturers to commercialize them on a large scale, something that has not been possible until now. Will we say goodbye to the Toyota Mirai and finally see a hydrogen Tesla? We don’t know if we will, but anything could happen now.
