Singapore’s Horizon Fuel Cell has unveiled a new 400kW fuel cell which it claims could reduce hydrogen consumption in heavy-duty trucks by up to 20%.
The VLS-IV fuel cell is said to offer “material advantages” in fuel cell applications including high power output, low costs, long lifespan and high fault tolerance.
Using the firm’s graphite-metal hybrid bipolar plate technology, Horizon said the new system could reduce hydrogen consumption by up to 20% in heavy trucks.
Traditional heavy-duty truck fuel cells range in capacity from 100kW to 250kW. By going up in size, the firm said it will provide “ample power” for the “heaviest” on-road trucks.
“This new fuel cell from Horizon sets the stage for hydrogen applications to enter a new era characterised by higher power, greater efficiency, compact size and lower costs,” a company statement said.
In manufacturing the system, Horizon said it has made “comprehensive upgrades.”
Producing its graphite layer using “high-precision molding techniques,” it claims to have reduced costs by over 50%.
Furthermore, the stack’s metal layer uses a new PVD carbon coating to improve conductivity and reduce contact resistance.
Launched in 2003, Horizon has been eager to position itself as a key fuel cell provider for heavy-duty vehicles. However, having launched its US truck spin-off Hyzon in 2020, its top team found itself facing scrutiny over its financial practices, including allegations of overstating vehicle deliveries and orders.
The year that rocked and reshaped Hyzon Motors
© Hyzon Motors
The tale of Hyzon Motors is one of a quick rise to success, followed by struggles within its operations, which in the words of CEO Parker Meeks, drove it to transform itself.
Springing into life at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the Rochester, New York-headquartered hydrogen fuel cell and truck firm quickly grabbed headlines, basing its hydrogen-powered drives on technology developed by Singapore’s Horizon Fuel Cell Group.
In its first year, the company took the market by storm, carrying out an aggressive and ambitious commercialisation plan, securing partnerships with the likes of Raven SR, Hiringa Energy, TC Energy and Woodside, as well as launching Australian and European businesses.
For over two years, all seemed bright at Hyzon. New contract announcements, big partnerships and vehicle deliveries were commonplace. But in August 2022, a series of events came to light that would force Hyzon’s hand to fundamentally change its board, senior management team and strategic focus…
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