British Firm Launches Ready-to-Use Hydrogen FCEV Powertrain

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have a brighter future now that UK engineering company Viritech has made a ground-breaking discovery. The company unveiled the VPT60N, the first commercially available hydrogen powertrain that is expected to completely transform the automotive sector.
This ready-to-use powertrain highlights the benefits of FCEV technology over traditional electric powertrains and is targeted at manufacturers who wish to quickly implement FCEVs.

Two important aspects of Viritech's new powertrain are its flexibility and versatility. It is a desirable choice for many industries because it can be utilized in a variety of vehicles, such as tractors, diggers, light commercial vehicles, and road cars.

So, what sets this hydrogen powertrain apart?

A 60kW fuel cell powered by a 16kWh 400V battery powers the powertrain. Both are coupled with an electric motor that generates 302 lb ft and 268 bhp.

It's probably going to use a modular version of the company's Graph-Pro technology, which means it has mounting points integrated into the chassis so it can be installed on an existing vehicle without the need for extra framework, saving weight. Additionally, it increases the pressure vessel's strength to the point where it can bear heavy loads, like those from a collision, where the hydrogen is kept. Two 350 bar pressure-saturated containers hold the hydrogen.

The battery and storage unit can both be rearranged to meet the needs of a specific car. Viritech also provides manufacturers looking for a fast fix with a pre-configured, standardized unit that is simple to integrate into cars that need to be developed and introduced quickly.
The UK company was able to save a significant amount of money by developing and homologating its own facilities by utilizing the large testing units at the MIRA proving ground in Warwickshire, where the powertrain was developed.