Loop Energy says new hydrogen engine as economic as diesel

Robert Besser
22 Sep 2022, 00:06 GMT+10

Hydrogen fuel cell maker Loop Energy has announced that its latest hydrogen cell truck motor provides better fuel economy than a diesel engine
A truck can travel just over 111 miles (179 kilometres) on $100 worth of fuel using its new S1200 hydrogen fuel cell system
Loop officials note that major freight truck manufacturers are investing in hydrogen fuel cells for long-haul freight trucks, in line with the auto industry's overall efforts to shift to zero-emission electric vehicles

BURNABY, Canada: Hydrogen fuel cell maker Loop Energy has announced that its latest hydrogen cell truck motor provides better fuel economy than a diesel engine.

Based upon a pan-European diesel cost of $1.91 per litre and $10 per kilogram of hydrogen, a truck can travel just over 111 miles (179 kilometres) on $100 worth of fuel using its new S1200 hydrogen fuel cell system, compared with some 109 miles for an equivalent diesel truck, the company reported.

Loop officials note that batteries weigh too much to make long-haul electric trucks viable, so major freight truck manufacturers, such as Daimler Truck and Volvo, are investing in hydrogen fuel cells for long-haul freight trucks, in line with the auto industry's overall efforts to shift to zero-emission electric vehicles.

Two challenges have faced the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cells, as they have previously been less efficient than diesel, and in Europe, their fuelling infrastructure is virtually non-existent.

According to Loop Energy Chief Executive Ben Nyland, the new cell system addresses the first of the two challenges.

This brings the future forward. This product delivers the economics that are needed for adoption today," he told Reuters, adding that Loop Energy aims to provide the hydrogen engine to startup truck manufacturers.

Loop Energy's largest shareholder is U.S. engine manufacturer Cummins, which holds a greater than 20 percent stake in the company.