The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and KPIT has successfully test drive the India’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFC) prototype car running on an indigenously developed fuel cell stack at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune. The fuel cell is a low temperature PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) type, operates at 65-75 degree centigrade.
It is a 10 kWe automotive grade LT-PEMFC fuel cell and made completely on CSIR knowhow. PEM fuel cell technology includes membrane electrode assembly is again a CSIR knowhow. CSIR-NCL and CSIR-CECRI as a part of the industry Originated Project (IOP) under the New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) scheme partnered with KPIT for the PEM fuel cell technology. The technology used is the generation of electric energy by the chemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen from air. This technology eliminates fossil fuel usage and cuts down the harmful greenhouse gases along with air pollutants. This technology paves way for a cleaner world with reduced air pollution levels.
The trails run on battery-electric passenger car platform. But the technology is expected to suit for commercial vehicles (CV) such as buses and trucks. This Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology needs a smaller battery for a very large operating range. The vehicle is fitted with a Type III commercial hydrogen tank of 1.75Kgs of H2 that can be stored under 350 bar pressure, for 250Km range at a speed of about 60-65Km/hr. Mr Ravi Pandit, Chairman, KPIT said it is a technology with great future and help India in reducing Pollution significantly. Prof. Ashwini Kumar Nangia, Director CSIR-NCL congratulated the team on successful run.