Loop Energy says new hydrogen fuel cell more efficient than diesel engine

Loop Energy

18/09/2022 09:00

By Nick Carey
    Sept 18 (Reuters) - Hydrogen fuel cell maker Loop Energy
 LPEN.TO  said on Sunday that its latest cell system can deliver
better fuel economy than a diesel engine at current price
levels. 
    The Burnaby, British Columbia-based company said that -
based on a pan-European diesel cost of $1.91 per litre on Sept.
5 and $10 per kg of hydrogen - a truck could travel just over
111 miles (179 km) on $100 worth of fuel using its new S1200
hydrogen fuel cell system versus a little over 109 miles for an
equivalent diesel truck. 
    As the auto industry makes the shift to zero-emission
electric vehicles (EVs), big freight truck makers like Daimler
Truck  DTGGe.DE  and Volvo  VOLVb.ST  are investing heavily in
hydrogen fuel cells to haul freight long distances because
batteries weigh too much to make electric trucks viable.
    Hydrogen fuel cells run hydrogen through a catalyst that
produces energy and heat to power a small battery that drives
the truck - the only emission from these cells is water. 
    Hydrogen fuel cells have faced two challenges for broad
adoption: they have so far been less efficient than diesel and
fuelling infrastructure in Europe is virtually non-existent.
    Nyland said the new cell system essentially addresses the
first of those challenges. 
    "This brings the future forward," Loop Energy Chief
Executive Ben Nyland told Reuters. "This product delivers the
economics that are needed for adoption today." 
    Nyland said that Loop Energy aims to provide the fuel cell
system to startup truck makers and as part of hydrogen
powertrains provided to big truck makers by major suppliers. 
    The company's biggest shareholder is U.S. engine maker
Cummins  CMI.N , which holds a more than 20% stake in Loop
Energy.

 (Reporting By Nick Carey; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
 ((nick.carey@thomsonreuters.com; +44 7385 414 954;))