JOHNSON MATTHEY (JM) is set to open its first hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2ICE) facility for heavy duty vehicles at its site in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The British chemicals manufacturer has been actively developing hydrogen technology for transport, most recently completing a four-year collaboration with engine maker Cummins, and manufacturers PHINIA and Zircotec. Known as Project Brunel, the initiative produced a 6–7 L H2ICE for medium-duty trucks and buses.
Building on the project, the new facility will run alongside the company’s heavy and light-duty diesel engine test cells.
Using hydrogen as a fuel source, JM found that H2ICE delivers a more than 99% reduction in tailpipe carbon emissions and “ultra-low” nitrogen oxide (Nox), compared to the current diesel standard.
JM says the new facility will be used to test catalyst performance within complete engine aftertreatment and control systems.
The facility will include a wide range of testing equipment, including a hydrogen supply and storage area with a compressor and intermediate storage tank, a hydrogen flow metre and analyser, test cell upgrades for H2ICE up to 600 kw (800 hp), and multiple gas and fire detection sensors.
Tauseef Salma, CEO of JM, said: “Across Europe and elsewhere, we cannot rely on battery electric vehicles alone to solve our challenges.
“H2ICE is already a ready-to-go technology with hydrogen solutions in road transport maturing, reliable and essential if we are to meet our decarbonisation and climate goals.”
The H2ICE facility is expected to begin operation in Q4 of this year.
JM recently signed up to the Global Hydrogen Mobility Alliance – alongside other car manufacturers, including Toyota, BMW and Hyundai – a political effort to support the implementation of policies in Europe that will incentivise support and investment in hydrogen technology.
Catch up on the latest news, views and jobs from The Chemical Engineer. Below are the four latest issues. View a wider selection of the archive from within the Magazine section of this site.