Experimental test drive of a fuel cell hybrid electric minibus

As suggested by European regulations several initiatives in transport field are taking place in order to introduce low/zero environmental impact vehicles. Many investments have been made in the electric vehicles (BEVs-Batteries Electric Vehicles) field although these still present limits related to low range and long charging times. FCHEVs (Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicles) are considered promising, as they are able to take advantage of both the batteries and the FCs at the same time. In addition the hydrogen-based transport solutions are coherent with transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies, since several H2 production processes, including electrolysis, support increase of renewable sources. The hybridization between FC and batteries can be minimum (APU) or maximum (TOTAL FC). In the medium level, called RANGE EXTENDER, FC works as on board batteries charger; the principal advantage of this configuration is increase of range (with respect to BEV). This configuration has been chosen by CNR ITAE in order to carry out the prototype of a minibus within the "i-NEXT" project (funded by Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research). The hybrid powertrain is based on a FC system (Power: 20 kW) connected in parallel to the lithium batteries (Nominal Power: 30 kW; Peak Power: 120 kW; Energy: 70 kWh). In order to evaluate the total range of autonomy, starting from 100% of SOC and full H2 tanks, in this work tests drive in only batteries mode and in hybrid mode will be presented.