Expensive, but not insanely so like many supercars. Limited production, I admit, but on the road today. No answer to mass market needs, yet a practical, hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle.
The people buying a Mirai (or LFA) don't care how far it goes on one tank of gas.
They're buying a Mirai because it's the first fuel cell car in the world. All the other bits don't matter, they only want the bragging rights of owning a fuel cell car.
But as a practical vehicle, the Mirai falls short. You have to fill it up every week, because otherwise the tank will empty itself. Not sure about Japan, but the hydrogen infrastructure in the US is nightmarish. If you're lucky, the hydrogen station 1) has fuel, 2) has working pumps, and 3) isn't out of business. If you're not, well, good luck making it to a station that is still in business, has working pumps, and has fuel. It's apparently even worse than driving an early Tesla, since you can at least still charge a Tesla, slowly, on 120v household power.
I think the main argument against masses of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is the conversion losses incurred by producing hydrogen using electrolysis. I think batteries are a better prospect for EVs than hydrogen fuel cells. There are circumstances where fuel cells will probably be appropriate. But I don't expect to be looking for a Mirai (or an LFA, for that matter) - ever.
In terms of which hazard I'd rather deal with, I'd rather deal with "wear an air pack around a crashed ammonia-fueled car" than "you need a thermal imager to see if the car is on fire"
One of the arguments in favour of ammonia is that it isn't actually all that different from LNG in handling terms, and most of the same safety precautions apply.
It's generally a pain to manufacture and handle: in most cases batteries or some kind of biofuel are likely to be preferable.
The 'hydrogen ladder' is quite a good way of visualising where it's an appropriate option, and city buses are very low on that ranking.
One of the real niches is steel production. Most current steelmaking uses coal for its carbon content, not just for heat, so the CO2 emissions are locked in by the process design. The leading alternative for 'green' steelmaking uses hydrogen as a reducing agent instead.
Earlier this year, the Associated Press reported on the "lithium triangle" – a region spanning Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia – where native communities sit upon an estimated trillion dollars in lithium reserves. This valuable metal is crucial for producing electric car batteries and advancing...
One of the arguments in favour of ammonia is that it isn't actually all that different from LNG in handling terms, and most of the same safety precautions apply.
One of the real niches is steel production. Most current steelmaking uses coal for its carbon content, not just for heat, so the CO2 emissions are locked in by the process design. The leading alternative for 'green' steelmaking uses hydrogen as a reducing agent instead.
What is needed is a methane fuel cell. The infrastructure is already in place and is well known to handle methane and you get 4 hydrogen atoms per molecule vs ammonia with only 3.
What is needed is a methane fuel cell. The infrastructure is already in place and is well known to handle methane and you get 4 hydrogen atoms per molecule vs ammonia with only 3.
But you now have a carbon and your fuel cells don't like that at all.
Nitrogen is much less reactive, it'll preferentially grab a second Nitrogen atom to make N2 rather than getting soot in your fuel cell and gumming up the works. Even then, I think most fuel cell systems that run off ammonia actually catalytically crack the ammonia outside the fuel cell proper and then send the hydrogen into the fuel cell.
A passenger bus is probably the only place where hydrogen works.
1) relatively small load. 53 passengers as a city bus is all of 5500kg/12,000lbs "cargo" weight at full load, and a bus probably only travels at an average of 3/4 full.
2) large volume under the floor or on the roof available for hydrogen tankage.
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Marcopolo has a robust plan to resume business abroad and an important pillar of this strategy is the offer of vehicles that have some type of alternative propulsion to combustion. In addition to the offer of diesel, biodiesel and plug-in electric vehicles, the company also expects to sell buses with chassis equipped with hydrogen cells.
According to Andre Armaganijan, director of foreign markets and future CEO of the company, electrified vehicles represent a good opportunity to prospect new business abroad, especially in countries that are signatories to some type of CO2 emissions reduction target.
Marcopolo has entered into a partnership for hydrogen One of these is Australia, where Marcopolo has entered into a partnership with the company Wrightbus to develop an electric bus with hydrogen energy generation. The coachbuilder expects to produce this type of fuel cell vehicle in that country starting in 2023.
“We will not be a manufacturer of electric chassis in the future. Our business model is based on partnerships with other traditional suppliers that can help us meet customer demands in terms of decarbonization,” said Armaganijan.
Although the company is considering offering an electric model that is still under development for the Brazilian market, its main focus in terms of electrification is on neighboring markets in Latin America, especially Colombia and Chile. According to the company's calculations, it is possible that 400 electric buses will be in circulation on the continent by the end of the year.
Results
In the first quarter, Marcopolo exported 369 vehicles assembled in Brazil and produced 371 buses in other factories maintained abroad. The volume represented 27% of the company's total production in the period. In terms of revenue, exports injected R$370 million into the cash flow, approximately 39% of total revenue in January-March.
Fabricante produzirá modelo movido a célula de combustível na Austrália a partir de 2023 A Marcopolo mantém um robusto planejamento de retomada dos negócios no exterior e um importante pilar dessa estratégia está na oferta de veículos quem tenham algum tipo de propulsão alternativa à combustão...
www.automotivebusiness.com.br
The company is based in Caxias, but has factories in several countries, including China, where it has already delivered 60 buses to Hong Kong alone in 2024. Since 2012, Marcopolo has been supplying vehicles to the Chinese market, selling almost 700 units in that period.
"The factory in China is ready for the mass production of several solutions developed by Marcopolo, and this is possible thanks to the continuous investments we make in innovation and technology, both in the country and in the company's other operations," says José Luis Moraes Goes, the company's director of international operations and foreign market sales.
Among the recent innovations developed by Marcopolo at the Chinese plant is the Audace Fuel Cell, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus, considered a case study in innovation and sustainability.
China is a market that invests in technologies of this nature and has a fleet of more than 20,000 commercial vehicles in operation, which demonstrates the vast field of opportunities ahead. In addition to the Audace Fuel Cell, Marcopolo is investing in other electric and hybrid propulsion solutions, aligned with the global challenges of decarbonization and its impacts.
The bus is powered by hydrogen and operates with a fuel cell and an electric battery, so its only waste is water and, like electric vehicles, it does not generate noise pollution. The low-emission hydrogen comes from a PEM technology electrolyzer with 165 kW of installed power that can produce 23 tons per year and is powered by a system of 2,000 1MW photovoltaic panels installed at the Green Móvil Logistics Center in Bogotá. Additionally, there is a backup alternative from the National Interconnected System (SIN) with REC certificates, guaranteeing that its origin is exclusively from renewable sources. The hydrogen station can charge the bus in less than 10 minutes and since the vehicle has a storage capacity of 30 kg of hydrogen, it has a range of more than 450 km with a single daily recharge, reaching a maximum speed of 90 km/h.
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El vehículo, para 50 pasajeros, iniciará su servicio en el segundo semestre de 2023.
h2lac.org
With this project, which to date has had an investment of more than 2.5 billion, Marcopolo Superpolo reaffirms its commitment to mobility, technological progress and innovation in the country. Additionally, the company expects to invest 1.5 billion dollars for the adaptation of the plant, thus confirming that this investment in infrastructure and technology represents a significant step towards the creation of a more sustainable and resilient transportation ecosystem in Colombia.
This commitment is also due to the latent tendency of the Colombian market to move sustainably, contributing to the environment, which is reflected in the significant growth in Colombia for acquiring vehicles with this technology. According to data provided by Andemos, the category of hybrid and electric vehicles in the country registered an increase of 13.1% in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 31,500 vehicles sold, demonstrating a boom in the awareness of Colombians about the importance of environmental sustainability in the transportation sector.
It is estimated that, with the implementation of hydrogen-powered buses in Bogotá, a reduction of 1,083 tons of CO2 emissions per hydrogen bus (zero emissions) will be achieved for eight years. This is equivalent to planting 73,000 trees.
It's saying you use the hydrogen to make synthetic liquid fuels, because there's not really a credible alternative to hydrocarbons for long haul aircraft fuel. It's the same pathway they've identified for vintage cars.
You still need some, but you don't need nearly as much since it's only being used as an alloying material rather than a reducing agent. It's the use as a reducing agent that creates most of the carbon dioxide emissions.
All of which assumes you can produce 'green' hydrogen on a large scale, of course.
The bus is powered by hydrogen and operates with a fuel cell and an electric battery, so its only waste is water and, like electric vehicles, it does not generate noise pollution. The low-emission hydrogen comes from a PEM technology electrolyzer with 165 kW of installed power that can produce 23 tons per year and is powered by a system of 2,000 1MW photovoltaic panels installed at the Green Móvil Logistics Center in Bogotá. Additionally, there is a backup alternative from the National Interconnected System (SIN) with REC certificates, guaranteeing that its origin is exclusively from renewable sources. The hydrogen station can charge the bus in less than 10 minutes and since the vehicle has a storage capacity of 30 kg of hydrogen, it has a range of more than 450 km with a single daily recharge, reaching a maximum speed of 90 km/h.
. View attachment 758587
El vehículo, para 50 pasajeros, iniciará su servicio en el segundo semestre de 2023.
h2lac.org
With this project, which to date has had an investment of more than 2.5 billion, Marcopolo Superpolo reaffirms its commitment to mobility, technological progress and innovation in the country. Additionally, the company expects to invest 1.5 billion dollars for the adaptation of the plant, thus confirming that this investment in infrastructure and technology represents a significant step towards the creation of a more sustainable and resilient transportation ecosystem in Colombia.
This commitment is also due to the latent tendency of the Colombian market to move sustainably, contributing to the environment, which is reflected in the significant growth in Colombia for acquiring vehicles with this technology. According to data provided by Andemos, the category of hybrid and electric vehicles in the country registered an increase of 13.1% in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 31,500 vehicles sold, demonstrating a boom in the awareness of Colombians about the importance of environmental sustainability in the transportation sector.
It is estimated that, with the implementation of hydrogen-powered buses in Bogotá, a reduction of 1,083 tons of CO2 emissions per hydrogen bus (zero emissions) will be achieved for eight years. This is equivalent to planting 73,000 trees.
I do not know I would need to read about it, I will do it later and if I find something I let you know Regards.
The bus operates like an electric vehicle, but instead of charging the batteries through an external connector, it uses a fuel cell that processes hydrogen in a gaseous state. This hydrogen, stored in high-pressure tanks, is combined with oxygen to produce water vapor and electric current through a process called "reverse electrolysis." The bus's electric motor is powered by the energy produced by the fuel cell and also by a battery bank located at the bottom of the vehicle, which stores energy regenerated by the braking system.The article also explains that hydrogen is the first element on the periodic table and is used as an energy vector. In this case, the green hydrogen used for the project is produced by an electrolyzer that uses water and solar energy to separate hydrogen and oxygen molecules.
Este proyecto representa una revolución energética en términos de reducción de emisiones contaminantes y es apoyado por empresas como Superpolo, Fanalca, Fenoge, Transdev, TransMilenio y Ecopetrol. El autobús, denominado Attivi, es fabricado por Marcopolo y estará disponible en dos versiones...
www.busworldlatinamerica.org
Although solar panels absorb energy from the sun, hotter temperatures actually make them less efficient.
Photovoltaic solar panels work by absorbing light energy and using the energy to 'excite', or energise, electrons.
An electrical field is then created across the layers of silicon in the cell, allowing the electrons to flow as electricity.
The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity.
But the hotter the panel is, the greater the number of electrons that are already in the excited state before the photon hits, reducing its efficiency.
Higher temperatures also increase the electrical resistance of the circuits that convert the charge into electricity.
Modern hybrid solar panels are designed to suffer less from the heat, but they can still lose 10 per cent of their rated efficiency on hot days.
This is part of the reason why Cornwall is the best county for solar energy in the country, home to over 8,000 solar sites.
It has over 15,000 hours of sunshine annually, but typically stays fairly cool allowing for the solar panels to work efficiently.
EXCLUSIVE: Speaking to MailOnline, Professor Alastair Buckey from Sheffield Solar warned that high temperatures may have a negative effect on solar power output in the UK.
It's saying you use the hydrogen to make synthetic liquid fuels, because there's not really a credible alternative to hydrocarbons for long haul aircraft fuel. It's the same pathway they've identified for vintage cars.
You still need some, but you don't need nearly as much since it's only being used as an alloying material rather than a reducing agent. It's the use as a reducing agent that creates most of the carbon dioxide emissions.
All of which assumes you can produce 'green' hydrogen on a large scale, of course.
Leaders of the Olinia project visited the High-Level Human Resources Specialization Center of the Technological University of Puebla (CERHAN-UTP) with the aim of promoting technological innovation and the training of specialized talent.
During the meeting they also took a tour where they learned about the mechatronics, tool mechanics, robotics, electromobility, bodywork and painting laboratories. The technical work meeting was attended by the cabinet coordinator, José Luis García Parra and the rector of the Technological University of Puebla (UTP), Jesús Morales Rodríguez, and on behalf of the Olinia project, Roberto Capuano and Rafael Garayoa attended.
The rector Jesús Morales underlined the commitment of CERHAN-UTP to the training of highly qualified human resources for the automotive sector and its role as a strategic ally in the country's development policies.
It was in January 2025 when the Mexican electric vehicle assembly plant Olinia was officially presented, units that will be designed by Mexican engineering. The main objective is the production of electric vehicles based on a multipurpose platform: personal mobility, neighborhood mobility and last mile deliveries.
It was reported that by the end of 2030 the goal is to launch the three models under a company with public and private investment, which is economically viable and has long-term prospects.
Líderes del proyecto Olinia visitaron el Centro de Especialización de Recursos Humanos de Alto Nivel de la Universidad Tecnológica de Puebla (CERHAN-UTP) con el objetivo
mexicoindustry.com
OLINIA, Roberto Capuano Trip and Rafael Garayona Guajardo, responsible for developing an innovative range of Mexican electric mini vehicles.
This visit took place within the framework of an intense work day led by the Governor of Puebla, Alejandro Armenta Mier, who highlighted the
extraordinary capacities that the state offers to host this project and contribute significantly to its success.
During the meeting, there was the opportunity to learn about some of the main characteristics of the OLINIA Project and confirm that it is a proposal with a vision for the future that seeks to introduce versatile and sustainable electric mini vehicles, designed to transform urban mobility in the country.
Therefore, it promises to mark a milestone on the road to new and smarter forms of urban mobility that offer viable solutions to transportation.
At Motores Limpios/Zacua, the importance of the federal government being aligned with public policies with global trends as transformative as electromobility was highlighted.
At Zacua, they celebrate this convergence with optimism, aware of the positive impact it will have on everyone's quality of life. But, more importantly, they recognize that this effort is charting a clear course toward a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
“For our part, we reiterate our commitment to do our bit" to contribute to the success of the OLINIA Project, with the certainty that a positive transformation of the mobility landscape in Mexico is possible,” said Nazareth Black, CEO of Zacua.
En las instalaciones de Zacua se dieron cita los representantes del Proyecto OLINIA, Roberto Capuano Trip y Rafael Garayona Guajardo, responsables de desarrollar una innovadora
One One Lab design team has the task of designing a completely new and fresh identity for the Mexican company. The layout and chassis couldn’t be touched the automotive styling process had to respect the existing base. And here is where we see the importance of style above other factors.
Clean, young, simple and elegant where the words that ruled over this automotive design process. Removing unnecessary elements not only reduces costs of production but can actually enhance the design. Having hidden A pillars, a different color hatch, front end and roof opens up the field of personalization. The result is a small cheerful little car with a unique identity that embraces the concepts of, affordable, simple, small, electric, elegant and friendly
SERVICE Concept Design CLIENT Zacua YEAR 2020 Zacua – Mexico EV Zacua is a quite new “EV” electric car company based in Mexico. Zacua’s vision to develop a compact electric city car for the world’s largest cities such as Mexico City is quite interesting, however the road for a new, small company...
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