FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK
What's next for fuel cells:
To date, the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) industry has predominately focused on vehicle development for light-duty vehicles (e.g., Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda) and heavy-duty vehicles (e.g., New Flyer and ENC transit buses; Kenworth, Toyota, and Hyundai Class 8 drayage trucks). The medium-duty fuel cell truck market presents more challenges to commercialization due to the variety of body types, chassis configurations, and manufacturers for these vehicles, and is therefore a few steps behind.
Integration of fuel cell propulsion systems into Class 6 and Class 7 medium-duty vehicles is particularly challenging because space is not only needed for batteries but also for a fuel cell, hydrogen storage, and power electronics. For these work trucks, utility trucks, and delivery vehicles, space is at a premium since maximizing cargo space and crew space are critical to meet the needs of their primary functions.
CTE is not shying away from this important market just because it is more challenging. There are more than 1 million Class 6 and 7 trucks on the road in the US. CTE is managing two fuel cell delivery truck projects for UPS on behalf of U.S. Department of Energy, California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Energy Commission (CEC), and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). These sponsors are eager to carry these initial development efforts forward to full production and full commercialization. To ease commercialization, we are focusing on adaptable design approaches to make early-stage propulsion systems easily conformable to the widest variety of truck platforms and body styles. Fortunately, past investment in and development of Class 8 fuel cell drayage trucks—also managed by CTE and our members—can be leveraged. These powertrain components can be scaled down, retaining successful efforts in packaging, software, and controls.
Building on past early-stage development and investment is necessary to realize zero-emission products in the largely ignored but important Class 6 and 7 trucks. We need continued public and private investment to support ever increasing fleet interests. We need to continue to deploy battery electric trucks in the markets where they make sense and we need to continue the work to develop and deploy fuel cells trucks in markets where they don’t. CTE stands ready to help this important class of vehicles make the next steps to achieve zero emissions across the board.
