The electric-hydrogen solution employed in mobility is safe, reliable, controlled, and decarbonised and is one of the keys to the ecological transition of the transport industry. It is particularly well adapted to endurance racing which demands both high power levels and substantial autonomy.
HYDROGEN IS SAFE
Electric-hydrogen cells are fully controlled devices that are often used to produce electricity in hostile environments (isolated, difficult to access, harsh weather conditions, etc.) when other systems do not guarantee reliable functioning and safety. They were essential equipment in the conquest of space. Installed in modules – inhabited or not – they provided electricity in complete safety for machines and oxygen for people undertaking orbital voyages and beyond. Thus, thanks to electric-hydrogen cells man was able to walk on the moon.
HYDROGEN IS RELIABLE
An electric-hydrogen fuel cell works on a physical principle discovered in the XVIIIth century and developed from the middle of the XXth century onwards. It doesn’t have any moving parts hence its incredible reliability. Electricity is produced in the core of an assembly of membranes and plates by the meeting of molecules of dihydrogen and atoms of oxygen, which combine as soon as they are brought together. The ensuing reaction generates electricity, used in the engines, heat, that is evacuated like the new molecule they create, H2O (water), rejected from the rear of the car in the form of steam.
HYDROGEN IS COMPETITIVE
Electric-hydrogen propulsion is the best-adapted solution when the objectives are power and autonomy (to transport heavy loads, maintain speed over long periods). Instead of being stored in batteries whose weight increases in proportion to the amount of energy required, the electricity for the vehicle’s electric engines is produced by the electric-hydrogen fuel cell, which replaces the usual internal combustion engine. It only takes a few minutes to recharge the hydrogen tanks installed on board.
HYDROGEN IS DECARBONISED
The powertrain of an electric-hydrogen vehicle, lorry, bus or racing car rejects only water vapour into the atmosphere. Apart from the production of electricity and release of heat, which can also be used on board, this is the only consequence of its operation. There is no emission of another gas, smoke or particulates. This is why this system of propulsion is one of the most suitable solutions to ensure the success of mobility’s energy transition.