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Fuel cell research results revealed by Peugeot

Tuesday, 22 Apr 2008 14:22
Zero emissions for urban delivery vehicles, claims Peugeot's research
Intelligent Energy and PSA Peugeot Citroen today presented the results of their collaborative research project, which has successfully integrated fuel cell technology into a zero emissions urban delivery vehicle with an electric powertrain.

The three-year partnership between the two companies has culminated in the delivery of a demonstration vehicle powered by an electric battery with a highly successful hydrogen fuel cell range extender. The demonstrator is based on one of PSA Peugeot Citroën’s van range, the Peugeot Partner Origin.

The Intelligent Energy 10kWe fuel cell system was designed specifically for the vehicle, offering a number of advantages. Firstly, the range of the electric vehicle is trebled to 300km and the fuel cell is compact enough to fit under the bonnet of a small delivery vehicle. It can also be started at temperatures as low as -20 degrees centigrade.

As well as this, compress hydrogen can be securely stored in an exchangeable rack, providing a practical alternative to refuelling at a traditional fuel station.

"Our fuel cell expertise and systems integration capabilities have been proven yet again in developing the power system and incorporating it into this vehicle," enthused Henri Winand, chief executive of Intelligent Energy.

"We have made the fuel cell system robust and compact enough for real-world clean motoring applications, and have gained invaluable experience through the collaboration with PSA Peugeot Citroën."

"As a leader in low carbon vehicles, we have already demonstrated several zero emissions vehicles," added Jean Pierre Goedgebuer, scientific director of PSA Peugeot Citroen.

"The Intelligent Energy fuel cell in the H2Origin extends its range from approximately 100km to three times that distance. This sort of range increases the attractiveness of electric vehicles for urban delivery, which is one of the most promising future markets for electric vehicles."

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