VW Hydrogen Car & Fuel Cell Patent
VW Files a Patent for Hydrogen Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Vehicle
Very Long-Range Vehicle with Zero Carbon Emissions
Volkswagen has a late November big surprise. It just confirmed that it has filed a patent for a hydrogen car that it is developing with a 1,243-mile range. The patent also covers what appears to be game-changing, hydrogen fuel cell technology. Automotive experts believe that this could be a major breakthrough for the deployment and potential widespread use of H2 cars. Such vehicles have the capability of travelling very long distances with no refueling. Ironically, until recently, VW executives have downplayed the prospects of hydrogen powered vehicles reaching critical mass and being impactful. Apparently, VW has radically changed its mind and is developing highly impactful, potentially breakthrough green fuel technology.
Technological Breakthrough
The hydrogen fuel cell that VW is working on appears to be very innovative and unique. The patent describes a ceramic membrane, which is much less expensive than the polymer membranes that Toyota and Hyundai are using. The ceramic membrane doesn't require the rare and very expensive metal platinum, which is considered a big obstacle to the mass production of H2 cars.
Benefits of Hydrogen
Hydrogen is plentiful and its only emission is water vapor. Via the fuel cell's inexpensive ceramic membrane, hydrogen combines with water to create electricity. The electricity powers the car's electric motors to operate. Volkswagen is partnering with German-based company Kraftwerk Tools on the H2 fuel cell and H2 vehicle.
Potential Ramifications Are Big
If this new hydrogen fuel cell works, it could be an automotive industry turning point in the use of alternative, zero emissions energy sources. Furthermore, if the VW hydrogen vehicle has a range of more than 1200 miles and is affordably priced, VW would have a big lead in the emerging hydrogen-powered car sector.
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