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
-
Choosing the Right Fasteners for Automotive
PennEngineering makes hundreds of different fasteners for the automotive industry with standard and custom products as well as automated assembly solutions. Discover how they’re used and how to select the right one. (Sponsored Content)
-
Cobots: 14 Things You Need to Know
What jobs do cobots do well? How is a cobot programmed? What’s the ROI? We asked these questions and more to four of the leading suppliers of cobots.
-
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.