JLR Touts Fuel Cells Over Batteries for Big SUVs
Battery power may be a bad idea for large SUVs because of the high aerodynamic drag typical of such vehicles, Jaguar land Rover Ltd. says.
Battery power may be a bad idea for large SUVs because of the high aerodynamic drag typical of such vehicles, Jaguar land Rover Ltd. says.
Fuel cells may eventually offer a more attractive option to piston power—if their hydrogen fuel is made using renewable energy sources that don’t create high carbon dioxide emissions, engineering chief Nick Rogers tells reporters in England.
JLR is beginning to adopt hybrid powertrains for some SUVs. It also makes the relatively aerodynamic Jaguar I-Pace all-electric crossover vehicle (pictured).
But the company has not indicated plans to build a large SUV powered entirely by batteries. Rogers notes that boxy SUVs need larger batteries, which add weight and reduce range at highway speeds.
Fuel cells remain considerably more expensive than batteries. But Rogers says they also could offer a superior option because of their short refueling time and lighter construction.
RELATED CONTENT
-
GM Seeks to Avert U.S. Plant Shutdowns Linked to Supplier Bankruptcy
General Motors Co. says it hopes to claim equipment and inventory from a bankrupt interior trim supplier to avoid being forced to idle all 19 of its U.S. assembly plants.
-
Multiple Choices for Light, High-Performance Chassis
How carbon fiber is utilized is as different as the vehicles on which it is used. From full carbon tubs to partial panels to welded steel tube sandwich structures, the only limitation is imagination.
-
When Automated Production Turning is the Low-Cost Option
For the right parts, or families of parts, an automated CNC turning cell is simply the least expensive way to produce high-quality parts. Here’s why.