Hyzon Motors Inc. has developed new onboard hydrogen storage system technology capable of reducing the weight and manufacturing cost of commercial vehicles powered by Hyzon's hydrogen fuel cells.

The patent-pending onboard hydrogen storage system technology integrates lightweight composite materials with the system's metal frame. It has the potential to reduce the overall weight of the system by 43%, storage system costs by 52% and the required manufacturing component count by 75%, based on a single-rack system with capacity to store five hydrogen cylinders.

In addition to reducing the weight and costs, the storage system can be configured to hold varying numbers of hydrogen tanks. The smallest version can hold five tanks and can be extended to seven tanks because of its modular design. A separate version can hold 10 tanks, appropriate for trucks driving longer distances.

While these configurations are mounted completely behind the cab, another configuration allows for an additional two tanks to be mounted to each side of the truck, extending the vehicle's range without diminishing the size of the trailer.

The patent-pending onboard hydrogen storage system technology integrates lightweight composite materials with the system's metal frame. It has the potential to reduce the overall weight of the system by 43%, storage system costs by 52% and the required manufacturing component count by 75%, based on a single-rack system with capacity to store five hydrogen cylinders.

In addition to reducing the weight and costs, the new storage system can be configured to hold varying numbers of hydrogen tanks. The smallest version can hold five tanks and can be extended to seven tanks because of its modular design. A separate version can hold 10 tanks, appropriate for trucks driving longer distances.

While these configurations are mounted completely behind the cab, another configuration allows for an additional two tanks to be mounted to each side of the truck, extending the vehicle's range without diminishing the size of the trailer.

"After years of research and development alongside our partners, this new storage technology further optimizes the building cost of our hydrogen fuel cell-powered commercial vehicles, while reducing overall weight and increasing mileage capabilities," said CEO Craig Knight. This makes Hyzon vehicles an even more attractive alternative to heavy vehicles powered by combustion engines."

The technology already has been installed in pilot trucks in Europe and is expected to be deployed across all vehicles beginning in Q4 2021.