Ford is testing electronic transmissions using hydrogen technology

Pictures: Ford

Ford Pro is looking at the potential of hydrogen as an energy carrier for commercial vehicles. A matching pilot project with eight prototypes based on standard all-electronic transmissions has now begun in Great Britain.

All test vehicles have a hydrogen fuel cell unit and large hydrogen storage tanks on board. They will be used at six-month intervals over the three-year project period through 2025. According to Ford, aspects such as safety, storage capacity and weight are the focus of practical testing.

According to the automaker, an important part of the project is to assess the efficient and practical recycling of used components. The data obtained should also provide solid insights into the effort expended in daily use and overall operating costs.

“The field test ultimately aims to show whether companies with higher energy consumption in their fleet can achieve advantages in terms of range and run times with hydrogen-based fuel cell vehicles,” she says. In addition, the hands-on test examines what a reasonable hydrogen refueling infrastructure might look like. Zero-emission electric models compete with their diesel counterparts.”

Ford has been researching fuel cell technology since the 1990s, has developed several prototypes and has developed the technology in joint test fleets with commercial customers. In 2021, the company introduced a fuel cell version of the electronic transmission. The company continues to participate in several publicly funded projects in Europe to explore hydrogen technologies for both internal combustion engine vehicles and fuel cells.

Ford Pro, the company’s global vehicle and commercial services specialist, is expanding its vehicle conversion expertise at Ford’s Dagenham site with the current pilot. Local engineers are supported by electronic transmission specialists from the nearby Ford Technical Center in Dunton.

“Ford believes that fuel cells can prove their advantages primarily in larger, heavier commercial vehicles,” said Tim Slater, Ford UK Managing Director. “Thanks to hydrogen, they drive emissions-free cars, achieve a long range, can refuel very quickly, and thus meet the high demands of our customers for the efficient running times of their vehicles. With the indestructible Transit, Ford can look back on the long and successful history of commercial vehicles. Now we are looking forward to exploring new ways our commercial vehicles can transport and deliver goods in a cleaner way.”