By Jamie Fox, Interact Analysis
As OEMs embrace hydrogen as part of their strategic mix toward meeting decarbonization demands, hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2 ICE) are forming part of that debate. Although most hydrogen-powered vehicles currently use fuel cells, H2 ICE offers a completely different technology that uses a combustion engine to burn hydrogen in a similar way to traditional diesel combustion engines.
Here's what construction equipment fleet managers need to know about hydrogen technology, where it could benefit them, and how the market for H2 ICE construction equipment might evolve.
Barriers to hydrogen ICE equipment
Major market barriers to expansion of the H2 ICE vehicles market include strategy, infrastructure, and cost. Hydrogen ICE has a range of different applications, but fuel is currently too expensive in most cases and refueling infrastructure is not in place yet for more widespread rollout.
The cost of hydrogen is still prohibitively expensive in many cases, meaning that for companies looking to decarbonize their operations, battery technology is likely to be preferred for vehicles with easy access to charging on-site and smaller power demands. In such cases, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offer lower TCO than hydrogen vehicles, while hydrogen as a fuel also comes with associated storage and handling, and safety considerations.
For heavy equipment, hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) technology is further ahead in terms of development than hydrogen combustion engines and already in operation in equipment such as excavators. However, JCB has developed H2 ICE technology in a backhoe loader and is testing it on the road, and more companies are expected to follow suit.
Hydrogen ICE also produces NOX emissions, although much less than traditional ICE. Hydrogen production also may contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, as it is still more expensive to produce hydrogen using electricity or renewable power than it is with fossil fuels. Although the costs of producing hydrogen—particularly green hydrogen—are expected to fall, this will take time.
Hydrogen in construction equipment
Regulators are using legislation and incentives to speed up adoption of alternative fuels, and this will help to drive innovation in the hydrogen sector.
One of the key advantages that H2 ICE has over other low-carbon technologies such as battery-electric is that equipment can be produced in existing factories. Hydrogen ICE engines and tanks can be placed relatively easily into many off-road machines, making them more affordable to produce and to purchase.
Hydrogen ICE also have high power and energy density compared with batteries, which often struggle with the power demands of larger, heavy-duty construction equipment.
Off-road environments are well-suited to H2 ICE technology, as hydrogen fuel takes up a lot of weight and space in a machine. On a construction site, however, it is not necessary to carry all the fuel for a day’s work on the machine, making the design easier and machines more efficient.
In the case of excavators required for a 15-hour day of almost continuous work, hydrogen may be more suitable than batteries. Although hydrogen fuel cells may be a consideration, lower capital expenditures and better resistance to dust, dirt, and impurities with H2 ICE could make them more attractive.
What’s the future of hydrogen in construction?
Despite the obvious benefits of H2 ICE technology in the construction sector, it is still likely to lag the on-road industry in terms of development of vehicles. This is largely due to the high volumes available with on-road commercial vehicles, such as trucks, which make them attractive for manufacturers.
In contrast, construction requires different equipment for each task, so it provides a greater R&D and design challenge to OEMs. Rapid falls in battery prices, continuing high hydrogen prices, and no support for hydrogen from regulators could lead to much lower penetration of H2 ICE.
Even so, H2 ICE has the potential to contribute to efforts to reduce emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, particularly within the construction industry. The cost of hydrogen is predicted to fall, and green hydrogen will become more readily available. Plus, the obvious benefits of H2 ICE in certain applications are likely to see its increase in machines that are not best-suited to batteries.
OEMs are often looking to diversify, and incentives and legislation aimed at decarbonizing off-road equipment will help to drive the market.
Fox has more than 15 years’ experience in market intelligence covering components for commercial vehicles, including electric vehicles. He holds degrees in Physics and Astronomy and in Nanoscale Science and Technology.
