PHINIA, a leader in premium fuel systems, electrical systems and aftermarket parts, has announced the results of a high-performance durability test undertaken by one of its Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE) vehicles.
The test, conducted in Q1 2024, was a rigorous assessment of the H2ICE vehicle’s capabilities, subjecting it to a challenging 1,000km journey in just 12 hours, enduring challenging winter conditions, reaching lows of -4°C, all while fully loaded. This ground-breaking achievement showcases the potential of H2 as a cleaner and viable alternative to internal combustion engines that use traditional fuels, with particular focus on high-intensity applications in the transportation industry.
The 1,056km round trip starting and ending in Blois, France, demonstrated the capability of the H2ICE powertrain for transient drivability, practical performance, and adherence to stringent emissions and safety standards. The rigorous examination also gives confidence for H2ICE’s viability for additional practical applications, including backup power supply and motor sports.
“This experiment is just a glimpse into the potential that H2ICE technology has to change the face of sustainable transportation,” commented Todd Anderson, Chief Technology Officer, PHINIA. He continued: “The success of this 1000+ km on-road demonstration clearly illustrates that H2ICE engines can deliver the power, durability, performance, and range necessary for demanding applications, all while producing near zero CO2 emissions.”
Making the Case for H2ICE
The transportation industry is under increasing pressure, through both societal and regulatory developments, to reduce vehicle emissions. While significant investment has been made to curtail emissions, extraneous variables can impact the performance of a vehicle on the road.
For example, heavy-duty transport often requires continuous high-power operation, with factors like extreme temperatures, heavy loads, continuous operating cycles, and dirty operating environments posing additional challenges. H2ICE systems are emerging as a viable solution, particularly for applications where range, payload capacity, and refuelling times are critical factors, thanks to several key benefits:
- Rapid refuelling: Compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that typically require lengthy charging times, H2ICE vehicles can be refuelled in minutes, minimising downtime and maximising operational efficiency for many freight use-cases.
- Durability and reliability: H2ICE builds upon over a century of ICE development, ensuring a robust and reliable powertrain.
- Lower weight: PHINIA’s innovative rail, injector, and control systems allow for efficient use of H2, resulting in a lighter powertrain compared to BEVs with bulky batteries. This is a critical factor for the transport and haulage industry where maximising payload capacity is essential.
PHINIA’s H2ICE technology is engineered to excel in demanding applications. Its effective cooling system makes it ideal for vehicles operating in harsh environments. This translates to both optimal performance and durability for off-road machinery, racing cars, and high-power light commercial vehicles.
The flexible system can be optimised for cost, power, or efficiency depending on the application. This, along with H2ICE’s resilience to varying ambient conditions and its ability to leverage existing manufacturing infrastructure, presents PHINIA’s technology as a viable and scalable solution for accelerating the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future.
A range of applications
PHINIA is strategically deploying its H2ICE technology across diverse applications to help maximise its impact on sustainable development. This multi-faceted approach positions PHINIA as a leader in the transition to cleaner and more sustainable mobility.
One focus area is light commercial vehicles (LCVs). Through collaborations with leading manufacturers, PHINIA has developed H2ICE LCVs that deliver an impressive 500km range, performance on par with diesel counterparts, and significantly reduced NOx emissions.
Furthermore, PHINIA’s technology is poised to disrupt the world of motorsports. The exceptional power-to-weight ratio offered by H2ICE paves the way for cleaner and more sustainable participation in endurance racing events.
Extending beyond the transportation sector, H2ICE demonstrates remarkable capabilities in stationary power generation. H2ICE gensets are capable of 24-hour continuous operation with high-load efficiency and rapid cold starts, making them an ideal solution for backup power applications.
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