Worlds Highest Power Density Fuel Cell Claimed By Hyzon

A heavy truck hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer is claiming the world’s most high density power unit following third-party testing.

Trials held by TUV Rheinland suggest Hyzon Motors’ fuel cell achieved a record peak power density above 6kW/L, the company headquartered in New York has announced. The latest generation of its proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells also claim durability and long operating life to address the demands of heavy commercial vehicles and machinery.
It says most fuel cell modules used in heavy vehicles to-date deliver continuous power around 100 kilowatts (kW) or less, with peak power density under 3kW/liter The TUV Rheinland tests Hyzon’s latest units achieve volumetric power density of more than double the norm and gravimetric power density exceeding 5.5kW/l between end hardware.

Although the performance data is from short stack testing, it points to the potential of using full power fuel cells up to 500hp (370kW) for heavy mobility applications, reducing dependence on batteries and therefore saving on weight, size and cost. Craig Knight, CEO and co-founder of Hyzon, said: "With greater electrification of equipment and systems, there is a need for more powerful and lighter fuel cells to power heavy vehicles, machinery, trains and aircraft. This is where our PEM fuel cells will really excel; high power output and high power density enable applications previously out of reach of fuel cell technology."

With production facilities in North America, Europe and Asia, Hyzon expects to deliver thousands of fuel cell trucks and buses globally over the next three years. By 2025, Hyzon's projected turn-key capacity will be more than 40,000 fuel cell vehicles annually. Production of the latest PEM fuel cell is expected to start in 2021.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_