Automakers use expertise to accelerate the use of platinum-based fuel cell systems

According to foreign media reports, it is generally believed that cooperation is essential for hydrogen to realize its potential in achieving a clean energy transition. A recent report by the International Hydrogen Council talked about the need to accelerate product and solution development, while acknowledging that this will require new partnerships and ecosystem building.

The World Platinum Investment Association (WPIC) said in a newsletter on March 17 that, due to the important roles played by businesses and governments, Toyota Motor Corporation has allowed royalty-free use of its fuel cell electric vehicles ( FCEV) patent license, the company has proven the feasibility of this approach in practice.

Hydrogen fuel cells for vehicles in fuel cell electric vehicles are almost all proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which contain a platinum catalyst layer. There are targets for the total number of fuel cell electric vehicles on the roads of China, the United States, Japan and Japan. Sexual growth, Europe and Japan (including commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles) are expected to increase from tens of thousands in 2020 to more than 11 million in 2030.

According to WPIC, this means that the demand for platinum for fuel cell electric vehicles based on this growth is expected to increase by more than 1 million ounces (31 tons) of platinum in 2030, or more than 10% of the current annual demand.

WPIC believes that Toyota has developed a product that integrates a fuel cell system into a compact module. The company plans to start selling this module later this year to promote and expand the use of hydrogen and help the world achieve its carbon neutral goal.

Toyota is considered a leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology. It has found that the demand for "off-the-shelf" fuel cell systems is increasing. These systems can be easily adapted by companies in various industries and used in their own products. The hydrogen fuel cell module encapsulates the relevant components of a single fuel cell system from the second-generation Mirai.

This includes fuel cell stacks and components for air and hydrogen supply, cooling and power control. WPIC points out that the module can be easily used in many different applications, including mobile (buses, trucks, trains and ships) and stationary generators.

"Modularity greatly improves convenience, and the new system provides world-class, highest level output density per unit volume, and requires relatively simple and infrequent maintenance," the association commented.

Similarly, Hyundai Motor Group has also introduced its proprietary hydrogen fuel cell technology to the market through its "HTWO" fuel cell system brand.

HTWO was launched at the end of last year to promote the modern global fuel cell business and develop the hydrogen ecosystem.

In addition, Volvo Group and Daimler Truck are cooperating in the development, production and commercialization of fuel cell systems for heavy trucks and other applications by forming a joint venture called "cellcentric".

WPIC pointed out: "The goal of both parties is to make this new company the world's leading fuel cell manufacturer, thereby helping the world take an important step towards climate neutrality and sustainable transportation in 2050."