2024-03-17
The technology involved in using H2 as an energy source can be costly for several reasons. Their use is considered to have zero-carbon operations but only when green H2 is used, meaning that it is produced using processes powered by renewable energy such as wind and solar. That said, the most common production method currently used involves burning natural gas, a fossil fuel.
Regulations on EVs and developments in hydrogen power cells and battery technology are highlighted in articles in the March issue of Alternative Power Report produced by Power Systems Research. Read about Germany dropping subsidies for some electric trucks and buses and about the EU considering tariffs on Chinese EVs. PSR
2024-02-27
Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s chairman, has expressed skepticism about the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), estimating they will achieve only a 30% market share despite evidence of higher adoption rates in countries like Norway and China. This stance aligns with Toyota’s continued focus on hybrids and fuel cell vehicles, contrasting with the rapid EV market growth and the aggressive EV strategies of competitors. Toyoda’s comments reflect a cautious approach to EV adoption, diverging from industry trends favoring more substantial EV penetration.
As of Feb. 6, 2024, Shell permanently closed its seven light duty hydrogen fuel stations in California citing “hydrogen supply complications and other external market factors” for this decision. According to the below MOTORTREND article, this leaves 17 stations operational (although several are offline at the time of this writing) in the Bay Area, and just one in the Sacramento area.
Shell had already told industry outlet Hydrogen Insight that it would stop building any of the 48 new California stations it had planned—a significant number for the state—and that the company “made the decision to permanently close its light duty station network in California in early 2024.”
The February issue of the Alternative Power Report produced by Power Systems Research contains articles on China battery production and Chinese EV market share gains in Thailand. There’s also news about CATL’s wind power project and several articles about EV heavy truck development.
2024-01-23
General Motors and mining and construction equipment giant Komatsu plan to jointly design and validate the hydrogen fuel cell technology for the 930E electric drive mining truck. GM has been conducting hydrogen fuel cell research and product development for more than 50 years and has developed platforms for both lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.
Mining trucks typically operate at a single mine throughout their life, a situation that simplifies the challenge of rolling out hydrogen refueling stations. GM and Komatsu plan to test the prototype HYDROTEC-powered mining vehicle in the mid-2020s at Komatsu’s Arizona Proving Grounds research and development facility. The prototype mining truck will be powered by more than 2 megawatts of HYDROTEC power cubes.
2024-01-19
Battery development news continues to lead the way in the current issue of the Alternative Power Report produced by Power Systems Research. In this issue, read articles about silicon anode powder used in batteries and a new cathode material that provides cheaper and more sustainable power. This issue contains news about government regulations aimed at EVs and GM and Komatsu joining forces to produce hydrogen powered mining trucks.
2024-01-18
General Motors and mining and construction equipment giant Komatsu plan to jointly design and validate the hydrogen fuel cell technology for the 930E electric drive mining truck. GM has been conducting hydrogen fuel cell research and product development for more than 50 years and has developed platforms for both lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.
2023-10-23
When discussions take place about Alternative power systems, (hydrogen fuel cells or battery electric engines), experts often fall into one camp or the other.
Proponents of each technology have been vocal in spotlighting the benefits they have to provide. Often, they will compare battery electric to hydrogen fuel cell performances, particularly when it comes to vehicles. However, experts are now coming to the conclusion that it’s not really a matter of deciding which technology will win out and which will disappear. Instead, each form of clean power will find its place, as each has strengths in specific areas. The main points of debate are Efficiency, Infrastructure and Environmental impact.
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