Volvo Cars has started researching fuel cell technology to extend the range of electric vehicles (EVs). The OEM aims to have two prototype chassis based the Volvo C30 DRIVe Electric ready for road tests in 2012. Volvo believes the technology can increase an electric car's operating range by up to 250 kilometres - in addition to the range provided by the car's battery pack.
"This is an exciting expansion of our focus on electrification. Battery cost and size means that all-electric cars still have a relatively limited operating range. Fuel cells may be one way of extending the distance these cars can cover before they need to be recharged. What is more, the project gives us increased knowledge about fuel cells and hydrogen gas," says Volvo Cars president and chief executive Stefan Jacoby.
Volvo is working with Powercell Sweden AB on the project, which is receiving research support from the Swedish Energy Agency. In the first phase, the partners will conduct a preliminary study into a range extender consisting of a fuel cell with a reformer. The reformer breaks down liquid fuel, in this case gasoline, and creates hydrogen gas. In the fuel cell, this hydrogen gas is converted into electrical energy, which is used to power the car's electric motor.
The technology generates no emissions of carbon oxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) or particles. Compared to a conventional diesel, the process results in much reduced emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). The end products are electricity, water and a small amount of carbon dioxide. The technology also can be adapted for renewable fuels.
The second phase, dependent upon continued support from the Swedish Energy Agency, will see Volvo and Powercell produce two test cars based on the C30 DRIVe Electric. Testing will begin in 2012.
"We have just taken the first steps and it is naturally too early to talk about market introduction of electric cars with range extenders. The industrial decision will come after we have learned more about fuel cells and the opportunities they offer," says Jacoby.
Source: Automotiveworld.com