Although being the smallest molecule in the universe, hydrogen can play a huge role in decarbonization and zero-emission goals. Combined with renewable energy, hydrogen can be produced “green” in electrolyzer plants. Hydrogen has several use cases and is a promising candidate to replace fossil fuels in different industries.

In automotives, there are two viable ways to drive a vehicle with hydrogen. One can use a fuel cell for energy conversion in combination with a battery on the one hand or a hydrogen combustion engine on the other hand for an emission-free driving experience. For passenger cars, however, the pure electric battery approach is the preferred one. For continuously very high-power applications like aviation, heavy-duty trucks or agricultural vehicles, however, the fuel cell or hydrogen combustion concept makes more sense to replace fossil fuels.

Many products and systems for battery electric vehicles and fuel cell cars – in particular the electric drive – are very similar so that they can easily support both technologies. As an example, an electric axle drive can be used in a fuel cell-powered car in just the same way. Other components from the Vitesco Technologies portfolio include, e.g., sensors, actuators, water pumps, electronics (such as control units) and thermal management solutions. Without entering into the development and manufacturing of energy storage or conversion (i.e., battery or fuel cell), Vitesco Technologies will therefore primarily support the fuel cell development in the commercial vehicle application area at first. In addition, Vitesco Technologies is also active in the electrolyzer business providing components to participate in the global energy revolution as well.