A fuel cell hybrid powertrain development

CNR-ITAE is involved in two projects related to hybrid fuel cell vehicles. The aim is to develop fuel cell - battery hybrid powertrains to be used in vehicles designed for some niche markets such as electric buses and lightweight electric vehicles. There have been tested a traction battery pack, a Nuvera fuel cell power module (Powerflow) and the combination of a parallel fuel cell - battery hybrid system. In this configuration the fuel cell power module is used as main power source for the powertrain, also providing battery charge when needed. The battery has the role to provide peak power during the starts of the vehicle. The hybrid powertrain has shown a fast response to even extreme and impulsive loads and a wider range compared to a battery vehicle without compromising the weight limitations on the vehicles