Volkswagen is holding its cards close to its chest as several automakers investigate hydrogen as an alternative fuel to power cars in a cleaner world.
The German automaker is pushing battery-electric vehicles forward with vigor and is even integrating this powertrain technology into a number of commercial vehicles.
The MEB scalable electric vehicle platform of the Group serves as the foundation for the ID.Buzz van, and there will be electric versions of popular commercial models like the Crafter large van and the Amarok ute.
The partnership between Volkswagen and the German company Kraftwerk Group to create a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle with a 2000km driving range was made public in November.
However, Petr Sulc, product manager for Volkswagen Commercial, stated that he did not see the technology being used on traditional commercial vehicles like the Amarok any time soon.
“Not in the next ten years. The time is not right now. It will serve as the answer. So I think I see it in the fourth generation of Amarok,” he laughed.
At the Amarok international debut in South Africa, Mr. Sulc told reporters that hydrogen would unquestionably be the best option for larger commercial vehicles, with the emphasized phrase “for the trucks, of sure. The state of cell technology will determine whether there is a solution for pick-ups.
He continued by questioning why off-roaders and drivers of light commercial vehicles would need a powertrain that could travel 2000 km, even though big commercial vehicle users could need one.
“So let’s see for the pick-up, of course, and for the trucks.”
Volkswagen had already dabbled with hydrogen technology, introducing the HyMotion concept in 2014 that used a fuel-cell system to replace an ICE powertrain.
The main development in Kraftwerk’s collaboration with VW is a ceramic membrane that is allegedly less expensive than the polymer membrane employed by Hyundai and Toyota, two hydrogen proponents. It is regarded as essential for the future mass manufacture of hydrogen fuel cells for automotive applications, according to Wards Auto.
In the past, VW has experimented with hydrogen technology, introducing the HyMotion concept in 2014.
Additionally, this ceramic membrane works without the use of platinum, a pricey precious metal that raises the cost of making hydrogen fuel cells.
Hyundai has been involved in the hydrogen industry for a while, offering the XCIENT truck and bus in various areas and the Nexo SUV to fleets in Australia in limited quantities.
Toyota also makes the Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle and is working on internal combustion hydrogen engines.
Toyota has moreover previously stated that it is open to the usage of hydrogen in future applications for popular off-road vehicles in Australia like the HiLux and LandCruiser.
At the Mirai introduction last year, Rod Ferguson, general manager of product planning and development for Toyota Australia, stated, “I think there’s obviously potential across that [hydrogen fuel-cell power for HiLux and LandCruiser].
The possibility exists across a spectrum of heavy vehicles or light trucks, trains, or buses, as well as the type of automobile we’re releasing right now, without a doubt.
