The Deutz H2 engine, according to the company, conforms with the EU’s CO2 standard for zero emissions.
As a result, it is on par with battery electric vehicles. The hydrogen drive, on the other hand, is unique in that it does not require the use of a battery or a fuel cell. Instead of generating power for an electric motor, the six-cylinder TCG 7.8 H2 engine consumes hydrogen.
The solution is designed for drives that will be utilized away from paved roads, such as agricultural machines, off-road vehicles, construction machinery, and other heavy equipment, according to the company.
Deutz intends to start mass manufacturing of the engine in 2024. Initial testing on the test bench have already been conducted satisfactorily by the company. The engine is built on a pre-existing concept. It operates silently, according to the manufacturer, and already produces 200 kilowatts of power. Because there is currently no hydrogen infrastructure, the company anticipates that it will first be employed in stationary systems and generators, as well as rail transportation.
The hydrogen engine’s first pilot application will be a stationary power generation facility with a regional partner. This should be operational by the beginning of 2022, demonstrating the engine’s viability.
Hydrogen combustion for vehicle propulsion is not a new concept. BMW was already researching the use of hydrogen as a fuel. In 2006, BMW introduced the BMW Hydrogen 7, the world’s first luxury automobile driven by a hydrogen combustion engine. Work on it, however, was halted.
“DEUTZ is a pioneer for climate-neutral mobility in the off-highway sector. We are already building very efficient and clean engines. Now we are taking the next step, our hydrogen engine is ready for the market. An important milestone for us as a company to achieve our To contribute to the achievement of the Paris climate goals ” , says Dr. Frank Hiller, CEO of Deutz AG.
