GM to supply hydrogen fuel cells for semi-trailers to Navistar

General Motors will supply its Hydrotec hydrogen fuel cell system to Navistar for use in commercial trucks, the companies said Wednesday.

Navistar is developing a semi-tractor using this technology with the aim of having test trucks on the road by the end of 2022.

GM’s Hydrotec Power Cube is equipped with 300 fuel cells that combine atmospheric hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, along with the thermal management and power control systems needed to operate it. Installed on a truck fitted with hydrogen storage tanks, each Power Cube can send 80 kilowatts of power to an electric transmission.

Each Hydrotec Power Cube has 300 fuel cells and a power of 80 kilowatts. (GM)

Navistar has partnered with shipping giant JB Hunt to pilot the technology and hopes the vehicles will hit the market in 2024 with a range of over 500 miles and a refueling time of 15 minutes. Hydrogen supplier OneH2 is joining the effort to provide supply and refueling systems for fleet customers.

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General Motors is also providing Hydrotec technology to Nikola Motors’ startup through a non-binding agreement that followed the dissolution of a previous agreement that would have seen GM take a $ 2 billion stake in the company in exchange for technology. GM withdrew from the original deal after allegations of fraud were brought against Nikola founder Trevor Milton by short seller Hindenberg Research, which led to Milton’s resignation as executive chairman .

Navistar is one of several truck manufacturing giants working on hydrogen powertrains as a carbon neutral alternative to diesel, along with Toyota and Hyundai, while Tesla and Freightliner focus on developing electric powered semi-trailers. by battery.