WAE Technologies, a trailblazer in automotive innovation, unveiled its groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle platform, EVRh, at this year's CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle (LCV) Show. This innovative platform represents a leap forward in the field of high performance hydrogen powered vehicles, combining WAE's extensive vehicle engineering expertise with a state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell system.
EVRh is designed to demonstrate the immense potential of hydrogen (H2) propulsion systems and bring them into the realm of high performance vehicles. Manufactured in Oxfordshire, this platform not only embodies WAE's commitment to engineering excellence but also offers end users the prospect of emission-free driving.
The EVRh makes its debut exactly one year after the unveiling of its all-electric counterpart, the EVR. What sets the EVRh apart is its use of a hydrogen fuel cell system to generate electricity through the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell stack. Working with H2 fuel cell system partners and leveraging WAE's systems integration and electrification technology, EVRh serves as a parallel hybrid version of the innovative EVR rolling chassis concept.
Featuring a lightweight composite structure, EVRh positions the high-power H2 fuel cell and battery system in the vehicle's center of the vehicle, optimizing the vehicle's center of gravity. This flexible design allows manufacturers to create a variety of configurations, from track-focused vehicles that maximize power-to-weight ratios, to treet-legal models in both open-top Targa and fixed-roof GT styles.
Designed with flexibility in mind from the outset, the platform's central sump even accommodates open-roof designs while incorporating cutting-edge performance technologies such as active aerodynamics.
At the heart of the powertrain is a state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) battery pack that enables the EVRh to deliver a remarkable 430 kW of discharge power and deliver 120 kW of charging power. This impressive setup translates to into a 0-100km/h acceleration of less than 2.5 seconds and an estimated Nürburgring lap time of less than 7 minutes and 20 seconds. With hydrogen storage capacity distributed across two tanks with a combined volume of 100 liters, the EVRh has an impressive range of 600 km. Multiple electric motor configurations support both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive layouts.
For manufacturers, the EVRh hydrogen hybrid powertrain offers an accelerated path to market as WAE handles the entire engineering and assembly process, significantly reducing development time and costs.
In addition, OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers have the opportunity to integrate new products into the powertrain as the rolling chassis can continuously benefit from WAE's latest engine and battery technologies.
Paul McNamara, Technical Director for WAE Technologies, said: "Since its inception in 2010, WAE has been committed to developing innovative and transformative technologies across a wide range of applications and industries. EVRh, which is making its debut at CENEX LCV, is yet another testament to WAE's ability to develop zero carbon vehicle solutions that facilitate the rapid and cost-effective introduction of state-of-the-art FCEV vehicles to the market."
As part of WAE's expansion plans, the company will also be highlighting opportunities for individuals interested in joining its rapidly growing global team, all committed to creating zero emission future.
