Hyundai Doosan Infracore (HDI) is to mass produce hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICE) from 2025. The new units will be installed on commercial vehicles such as trucks, large buses, and construction equipment for validation by 2024, and full-scale mass production is planned for 2025.
HDI’s initial under-development hydrogen engine is an 11-litre class engine that produces a power output of 300kW and a torque of 1700 Nm at 2000 RPM. It satisfies Tier 5 / Stage 5 / Euro 7 regulations which require the emission to be 90% reduced to the current level to meet Zero CO2 (below 1g/kwh) and Zero Impact Emission (Zero Emission in EU).
Hydrogen engines are powered by low-purity hydrogen, making them durable, economical and energy-dense, making them the most suitable engine system for mid-to-large vehicles and vehicles for long distances. A single charge of 10 minutes enables a distance of up to 500km, and they are 25-30% more economical than fuel cells or battery packs when vehicle price and maintenance costs are considered.
HDI plans to leverage its existing engine technology and facilities to reduce costs and accelerate commercialisation.
Various products, including H2ICE, EV battery packs, and plug-in full hybrid powertrains, will be exhibited by HDI at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, to be held in Las Vegas, USA, on 14-18 March. The company’s engine department booth will be located at S84044 on the 2nd floor of the South Hall.
HDI’s head of engines, Kim Joong-soo, said, “Hydrogen internal combustion engines will be used in mid-to-large-sized commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses and construction equipment and mid-to-large-sized power generators. We will put in the utmost effort to realise carbon neutrality in response to the eco-friendly market by developing green hydrogen-related technologies in line with increasingly strict carbon emission regulations.”
This development is one of several in the construction sector concerning the use of hydrogen as fuel. Rival firms JCB and Liebherr have also unveiled their prototype ICE power units that use hydrogen, while engine maker Cummins is putting the finishing touches on its ICE unit using hydrogen. Meanwhile, HDI has also recently unveiled its prototype fuel-cell wheeled excavator, using hydrogen as fuel.
