EDAG Group and Hexagon Purus are investigating how a hybrid storage system can be implemented combining the advantages of both drive alternatives in a joint research project funded by HessenAgenture.
The research project, scheduled to run for 18 months, will develop a flexible storage system for the vehicle floor in which the latest generation of batteries and hydrogen pressure tanks can be installed in parallel.
It will be able to cover daily distances with battery electricity and long journeys with energy from a fuel cell powered by hydrogen tanks.
The solution is based on the EDAG ScaleBase scalable vehicle platform. The inter-changeability of the storage units also enables resource-saving secondary use.
“Electric mobility must become suitable for everyday use by everyone in order to reduce environmental pollution, especially in inner-city areas,” said an EDAG Group statement.
“For the daily commute to work, battery storage is today the most suitable means of choice. Long-distance drivers, however, have to plan for longer stops despite quick-charging columns.
“This is a clear advantage of hydrogen drives, whose tanks can be filled in a few minutes.”