MAHLE Powertrain and Bramble Energy have announced that both companies have agreed to continue collaborating to develop Bramble’s PCBFC hydrogen fuel cell technology, which significantly reduces the manufacturing cost of hydrogen fuel cell powertrains.
The phase-1 demonstrator vehicle was launched at the Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle show.
MAHLE Powertrain was chosen as the project’s integration partner for its decade-long experience in powertrain technology integration and its expertise in EV control systems and thermal management. In addition, its recent Memorandum of Understanding with Bramble strengthens the duo’s relationship ahead of the development of the phase 2 demonstrator.
The phase 1 results of the collaboration are based around a Renault Kangoo ZE delivery vehicle that sees a 5 kW Bramble Energy fuel cell integrated into the powertrain acting as a range extender. Future development will focus on creating a derivative with higher power output and increased overall efficiency.
Dr Mike Bassett, Head - Research & Advanced Engineering, MAHLE Powertrain, said, “Hydrogen fuel cells offer an alternative to the heavy batteries and long recharge times that other electric vehicle technologies suffer from, and that makes them particularly relevant to the commercial vehicle sector as it looks to meet net-zero CO2 emissions targets. Our work with Bramble Energy has demonstrated that their innovative PCBFC technology represents a cost-effective route to the adoption of fuel cell propulsion for commercial vehicles. We’re delighted that visitors were able to see the results for themselves at the Cenex LCV show.”
Dr Tom Mason, CEO & CTO, Bramble Energy, said, “MAHLE Powertrain’s skills and expertise have enabled us to showcase the benefits of our PCBFC™ technology in a practical way. The technical partnership between our two companies will help us accelerate our development and move towards small scale production.”