AVL and British start-up Spark EV Technology have unveiled an intelligent energy management system tailored for commercial vehicles.
As hydrogen gains prominence in the pursuit of sustainable transportation, commercial vehicles stand to benefit significantly due to their demanding performance requirements. AVL and Spark EV Technology’s joint venture focuses on instilling confidence in fuel cell technology by developing an intelligent energy management system designed explicitly for commercial vehicles.
The core of this innovation lies in patented control algorithms and advanced software that predict energy requirements with exceptional accuracy. Leveraging simulations and machine learning, the partners aim to determine precise energy needs for specific routes, considering factors such as route profile, driving behavior, altitude, load, and traffic volume. This predictive capability enables the creation of a digital twin—a virtual lorry—that simulates a journey and reveals the energy requirements per kilometer.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to empower fleets to operate efficiently and environmentally responsibly. The technology proposes an intelligent operating strategy that suggests when to draw energy from the battery to alleviate the load on the fuel cell. By optimizing hydrogen consumption and minimizing battery size through this approach, fleet operators can reduce costs, extend the lifespan of components, and streamline maintenance.
In the collaborative efforts of AVL and Spark EV Technology, the future of fuel cell trucks is being reshaped, steering towards a greener and more efficient direction in commercial mobility.