Ford hesitates between hydrogen and electric battery for its range of vehicles. The E-Transit fuel cell could decide

Nowadays, more and more companies in the industrial sector are showing a growing interest in hydrogen. Companies such as Toyota, BMW, Honda and Stellantis, which have invested in this energy for years, have stepped up their commitment in recent months. On the other hand, some companies that had not given much importance to hydrogen have changed their position.

This is particularly the case with Ford, which had already identified hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels many years ago, having even tested a fleet of 30 hydrogen-powered Ford Focus in the United States almost two decades. However, the company has never taken this source of energy as seriously as other companies, until now.

Eight test units

In examining the suitability of the hydrogen fuel cell for certain Ford E-Transit customers, Ford's commercial vehicle division, Ford Pro, is investigating whether it is more beneficial than the battery-electric version, particularly for users who travel long distances and carry heavy loads or ancillary equipment such as refrigerators, or who have limited charging options during their shift.

The Ford E-Transit is available in several load capacities and formats, with different length and height options, as well as a 68 kWh battery allowing a maximum range of 317 km.

Ford uses the E-Transit as the basis for E-Transit FCEV testing.

Ford plans to replace the E-Transit's battery with a "high-powered" hydrogen fuel cell with "significant hydrogen storage capacity optimized for safety, capacity, cost and weight." Although the new range offered by the Ford E-Transit FCEV is not known, it should exceed that of the E-Transit battery. In addition, refueling with hydrogen will be much faster than recharging the BEV variant.

The project is partly funded by the UK's Advanced Propulsion Center (APC), which is also funding the development of the Toyota Hilux fuel cell and other UK hydrogen vehicles, such as HVS' fuel cell truck made in Scotland.

For a period that will extend until 2025, Ford Pro will test eight units of the Ford E-Transit fuel cell in the UK. The results obtained by the brand during this phase will make it possible to analyze the total costs linked to the possession and use of these vans.

IN BLABLASTORE

Ammonia saved mankind for the first time. Now I could do it again with hydrogen.

In addition, this project will assess recycling options for E-Transit FECV components at end of life, as well as identify the hydrogen refueling infrastructure needed to make the use of these vehicles practical for professionals.