The UK government has mandated that by 2030 sales of petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned, with hybrid models being outlawed by 2035. While many manufacturers are solely focusing on battery-electric models, Ford is, as well as developing its electric van range, investigating alternative options.
Ford is investigating fuel-cell technology for its E-Transit electric van to assess the viability of hydrogen-powered, zero-emission solutions for commercial users who cover long distances and transport heavy cargo. For this segment of users, running an electric-powered van presents challenges which make the switch to zero-emission vehicles problematic, providing an opportunity for hydrogen-fueled systems.
The project is co-funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), and Ford Pro — Ford's commercial vehicles and services division — will collaborate with several partners during the £16.3 million, three-year project. BP will monitor hydrogen consumption and calculate infrastructure needs for the duration of the initiative, while Cambustion will test the fuel cell system, Viritech will design the hydrogen storage system, and Cygent Texkimp will supply the carbon fibre tooling for the pressure vessels.
Having dominated the diesel-powered van market for 57 years, Ford has a wealth of experience in vehicle production, so Ford engineers and E-Transit experts from Dagenham and the nearby Dunton Technical Centre in Essex will team up with Ocado, tapping into its area of expertise to establish the feasibility of hydrogen-powered alternatives in the real world setting.
“Ford believes that the primary application of fuel cells could be in its largest, heaviest CVs to ensure they are emission-free, while satisfying the high daily energy requirements our customers demand,”
explains chair of Ford in Britain, Tim Slatter.
“Ford has an unmatched history in the commercial vehicle sector with the indomitable Transit, and we are excited to be exploring new ways to make clean deliveries an option for even our hardest working vans on the road.”
There are distinct advantages to using hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles, particularly for long-distance drivers. The fuel cell transforms hydrogen into electricity to drive an electric motor, releasing only pure water as a byproduct. Unlike battery-electric vehicles, however, a hydrogen tank can be refilled in just minutes, just like a petrol or diesel vehicle, providing a fast and convenient solution for long-haul users.
There are several hurdles to overcome, though, for hydrogen to become an option. To make it viable, the infrastructure must keep pace, and with only 11 filling stations remaining in the UK after Shell closed its network, there would be plenty of work to be done. Hydrogen production is also an energy-intensive procedure, potentially leading to significant emissions.
Testing the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Ford E-Transit
Ford has been exploring fuel cell technology since the 1990s and has created multiple prototypes. The manufacturer showcased the initial version of the E-Transit fuel cell vehicle at the 2021 CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle Show.
This latest initiative will see a small-scale test fleet of eight fuel-cell Ford E-Transits being deployed in six-month intervals until 2025. This test fleet will provide valuable data about the total cost of ownership and operation of large hydrogen-powered vans. The vehicles will provide increased range and operating hours, which will be comparable to diesel-powered counterparts without the necessity for charging.
The Ford E-Transit prototypes will be equipped with a fuel cell stack and ample hydrogen storage, designed for safety, capacity, cost, and weight optimisation. Another essential aspect of the project will be to examine efficient and viable recycling methods for end-of-life components.
This hydrogen E-Transit collaborative initiative upholds Ford's 'Road to Better' sustainability pledge and demonstrates the company's commitment to making its European operations the first to achieve carbon neutrality worldwide by 2035.
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