Can hydrogen internal combustion engines overcome the California roadblock? |
Car and truck makers see hydrogen internal combustion engines as a tool to attack carbon emissions and leverage much of the industry's existing technology, expertise and supply chain. But California's opposition to emissions may present a roadblock to the technology in the U.S.
Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and others are exploring using the nearly carbon-free motors for light vehicles.
Equipment manufacturer JCB has built 50 prototype hydrogen engines at its factory in England that are being tested in various types of construction vehicles and heavy-duty trucks. Volvo Trucks and Westport Fuel Systems scheduled a demonstration of a hydrogen combustion big rig in Vancouver on July 4. Daimler Truck also is looking at the technology for freight transport.
Cummins has a partnership with Tata Motors to build a hydrogen internal combustion engine factory in Jamshedpur, India. Kawasaki and Yamaha — which has a prototype hydrogen golf cart — are studying other uses. Indian engine builder Reliance Industries and vehicle partner Ashok Leyland are developing hydrogen engine trucks.
One advantage of a hydrogen engine is its common parts with diesel motors, and the large population of technicians already able to maintain and repair combustion engines make the technology an attractive choice for slashing carbon emissions, said Tom Swenson, director of global regulatory affairs at Cummins.
Still, the hydrogen engine movement faces large hurdles in the U.S.
Topping the list: Will California regulators allow them? California's policy often influences the policies of many other states, which combined control a large share of the light- and commercial-vehicle markets.
— Jerry Hirsch
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