Mahle helps develops demonstrator delivery vehicle with new hydrogen fuel cell technology

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Mahle Powertrain has announced it is helping develop the first demonstrator vehicle for a novel new hydrogen fuel cell technology.

The vehicle, which will be unveiled in 2021, will showcase the reduced-cost, high performance potential of high power density liquid cooled fuel cells.

Mahle Powertrain was chosen to support Bramble Energy on the integration project, which leverages high volume printed circuit board manufacturing techniques to reduce cost and ease of production scalability, due to its expertise in EV control systems, zero-emission vehicle systems integration and cooling system development.

Utilisation of PCB technology enables Bramble Energy to offer a bespoke fuel cell capability and enhanced production flexibility, plus a robustness inherent in the printed circuit board manufacturing process.

It also enables the company to strip-back fuel cell complexity and reduce weight, negating the need for separate sealing materials and lowering the number of components without negatively impacting build quality or performance.

Bramble Energy’s fuel cell solution has already been demonstrated for air cooled applications and will be launched – as the SD product range – in collaboration with BOC in the near future.

Jonathan Hall, MAHLE Powertrain’s head of research & advanced engineering projects said, “Hydrogen is certainly a viable option for the light commercial vehicle sector.

“We are delighted to be working with Bramble Energy on such an exciting and timely project. The commercial vehicle sector is currently exploring alternative fuel options as several large fleet operators pledge to meet net-zero CO2 emission.

“PCBFC technology provides a high power density solution that is perfectly suited to typical commercial vehicle duty cycles. In addition, we hope accelerated development of fuel cell technologies will have the knock-on effect of inspiring increased deployment of supporting infrastructure for areas where it is currently lacking.”

Dr Tom Mason, Bramble Energy CEO and CTO added, “We’re excited to be working with Mahle Powertrain on this integration project and to be so close to showcasing the benefits of our PCBFC technology in a liquid-cooled application.

“Delivery of this project will be a milestone moment for both Bramble Energy and net-zero CV powertrains and we cannot wait to demonstrate the tangible performance and cost benefits to the CV industry.”

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