German consortium to develop hydrogen engine powertrain

A partnership of German companies representing off-highway vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, and researchers called PoWer has been established to examine the cross-application use of hydrogen engine powertrain technologies for construction and agricultural applications.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR), Liebherr, Deutz, Kit, Purem, Claas, Braunschweig University of Technology, Nagel, Umicore, NGK, and Castrol are also members of PoWer.

With support from TÜV Rheinland, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is contributing €5.1 million for this three-year project. To oversee the project, Mahle has been hired.

Because of their intrinsic qualities, which include efficiency, durability, and minimal raw emissions, hydrogen engines have many benefits and are especially well-suited for use in construction and agricultural machinery.

Vehicle concept studies will illustrate and analyze off-road uses in addition to systemic fleet and infrastructure challenges. Concepts for exhaust gas aftertreatment will also be created and thoroughly examined on a test bench.

All the fundamentals necessary to meet the extreme robustness requirements, taking into account future emissions guidelines of NRMM (non-road mobile machinery), will be developed by looking at how hydrogen affects materials, as well as the wear and friction properties, and confirming these outcomes in engine operations.

With its three key areas of electrification, thermal management, and highly efficient sustainable combustion engines, Mahle, which represents technological diversity, creates the best solutions for many applications across the globe. The automotive supplier is active in fuel cell car development and series projects in addition to all key hydrogen engine projects.