Accelera, part of Cummins based in the U.S., has achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new Guinness World Record for the furthest distance covered by a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) heavy-duty truck without needing to refuel. This milestone was reached with their H2Rescue truck, a Kenworth T370 prototype that has been specially designed for emergency response operations.
Impressive Distance Achieved
The truck managed to travel an astonishing 1,806 miles (2,900 kilometers), which is about the same distance as traveling from Berlin, Germany, to Porto, Portugal. Throughout this journey, it utilized 168 kilograms of hydrogen from an initial fill of 175 kilograms, all while emitting zero carbon dioxide (CO2). In contrast, a diesel truck would have released an estimated 664 pounds (300 kilograms) of CO2 during the same trip.
Real-World Testing Conditions
Equipped with a fuel cell engine and a 250-kilowatt (kW) traction motor, the H2Rescue truck underwent testing in real-life scenarios, including busy rush hour traffic. During the journey, the truck maintained speeds ranging from 80 to 88 kilometers per hour and faced temperature variations from 15°C to 26°C.
Collaborative Efforts for Innovation
The development of the H2Rescue truck involved a partnership between Accelera, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Defense. This collaboration underscores the increasing potential of hydrogen fuel cells in heavy-duty transportation and emergency response fields.
Challenges Ahead for Hydrogen Fuel
Even with this noteworthy accomplishment, hydrogen as an alternative fuel still encounters obstacles, especially concerning cost. Presently, hydrogen fuel for FCEVs is priced between EUR 7 and EUR 8 per kilogram, influenced by factors like production site, energy source, and intended use, according to data from Independent Commodity Intelligence Services (ICIS) from 2023. However, experts are optimistic that prices may fall to around EUR 4 per kilogram in the future, making hydrogen a more viable option compared to traditional diesel fuels.
