Allison Transmission introduces hydrogen fuel cell vehicle testing

“Manufacturers of electric vehicles, including battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and electric hybrid systems are recognising the value of reducing product development and validation timelines by utilising Allison’s Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Centre to assess their vehicles in a controlled thermal environment capable of simulating a broad range of duty cycles,” said David Proctor, General Manager Allison Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Centre. “We are excited to expand the facility’s capabilities to support our OEM partners as they develop and optimise alternative fuel offerings intended to reduce emissions.”

As part of Allison’s goal to support the development and deployment of alternative fuel vehicles that reduce emissions, the company has completed the installation of two phases of hydrogen capabilities. Phase one provides the ability to safely detect and manage hydrogen gas or flames in the test cell. This same system is also capable of detection and management of CNG power plants. Phase two includes a low pressure, constant supply of hydrogen directly fed into the vehicle’s fuel cell, providing extended test runs while minimising downtime for re-fuelling. These testing capabilities represent Allison’s commitment to innovation and taking a leadership role in the development of alternative fuel options for the commercial vehicle industry.

Allison recently collaborated with one of its OEM partners to successfully complete testing of the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle at the Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Centre. Additional OEMs are scoping fuel cell vehicle testing projects for later this year. The facility now has the capabilities to support external customer test and validation programs for vehicles powered by every major propulsion type, including diesel, gasoline, natural gas, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell.

The 60 000 ft² facility is the only one of its kind in the Midwest, offering the ability to conduct year-round testing in one centralised location that can replicate the extreme environments to solidify dependable, reliable, repeatable, and secure results. The capabilities of the facility move beyond powertrain innovation, enabling Allison and its partners to bring new, innovative, technology and vehicle systems to market faster and more efficiently.

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The inaugural issue of Global Hydrogen Review is full of detailed technical articles and case studies exploring the entire spectrum of hydrogen production and its applications worldwide. This issue covers a range of topics including the current status of blue hydrogen, how cryogenic technology is helping to shape the energy transition, and integrity management of hydrogen pipelines. Other features include green hydrogen, simulation, transportation, compressor technology, and much more.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/31082022/allison-transmission-introduces-hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicle-testing/