Tech breakthroughs that could steer the industry toward net zero
About this episode
Exploring the future of the automotive industry, this episode delves into the role of hydrogen and solid-state batteries in achieving net-zero emissions. With insights from industry experts, including Charles Chapelle from Forsea Hydrogen Solutions and mechanical engineer Rosie Barnes, the discussion highlights the complexities of hydrogen production, storage, and its potential in heavy transport. The episode also examines the promise of solid-state batteries in enhancing EV performance and safety. Listeners will gain a nuanced understanding of the technologies shaping a greener automotive future and the challenges that lie ahead.
While the electrification revolution is well underway, getting to a world of zero emissions will be tough without the help of new technologies. Breakthroughs such as scalable solid-state batteries and clean hydrogen could someday propel the industry — and the world — toward a greener future.
In this episode, we hear from Faurecia Hydrogen Solutions Engineering Director Charles Shappell about the emerging hydrogen business. Factorial Energy CEO Siyu Huang talks about her company's novel solid-state battery technology. And mechanical engineer Rosie Barnes evaluates those and other technologies for their carbon reducing potential.
hydrogen storage system
"...there's a tremendous amount of technology that goes into our hydrogen storage system. So if we start just with the tank technology..."
A hydrogen storage system is a way to keep hydrogen gas safe until it's needed, like for powering cars. It uses special tanks to hold the gas under high pressure.
A hydrogen storage system is designed to safely store hydrogen gas, which can be used as a fuel source for vehicles or energy. These systems are crucial for hydrogen fuel cell technology and typically involve specialized tanks and safety measures to handle the gas's properties.
Type 4 hydrogen storage tank
"...this is what's called a Type 4 hydrogen storage tank. So it has a plastic liner, and then we wrap that plastic liner with a composite with carbon fiber."
A Type 4 hydrogen storage tank is a special container designed to hold hydrogen gas safely. It uses strong materials to handle high pressure, making it lighter and more efficient than older tank types.
A Type 4 hydrogen storage tank is a type of high-pressure tank used for storing hydrogen gas. It features a plastic liner and is reinforced with a composite material, often including carbon fiber, to withstand extreme pressures while being lightweight.
700 bar
"So this system operates at 700 bar, which is just over 10,000 PSI. You know, if you were going to try to do this with, I don't know, a steel tank or other materials..."
700 bar is a way to measure how much pressure is inside a tank. It's really high pressure, which is needed to keep hydrogen gas stored tightly in a small space.
700 bar is a unit of pressure equivalent to approximately 10,000 PSI. This high pressure is necessary for storing hydrogen in a compact form, allowing for efficient storage and transportation.
steel tank
"if you were going to try to do this with, I don't know, a steel tank or other materials, you know, maybe more conventional tank that you'd see in a car..."
A steel tank is a container made of steel that holds things like gas or liquids. For hydrogen, using a steel tank can be too heavy and not practical because it needs to be really thick to keep the gas safe.
A steel tank is a common type of container used for storing gases and liquids. However, when it comes to storing hydrogen at high pressures, a steel tank can be too heavy and inefficient due to the thickness required to contain the gas safely.
weight of the system
"So it's really all about weight, and the weight of the system is critical. So if you were to try to store hydrogen at 700 bar in a steel tank..."
The weight of the system means how heavy the whole setup is that stores the hydrogen. Lighter systems are better for cars because they help the car move more easily and use less energy.
The weight of the system refers to the overall mass of the hydrogen storage setup, which is critical for vehicle performance. Lighter systems improve efficiency and handling, especially in automotive applications.
thickness of the steel container
"what you would end up with is a tank that was extremely heavy and only stored a small amount of hydrogen because the thickness of the steel container would be so thick..."
The thickness of the steel container means how thick the walls of the tank are. Thicker walls can hold more pressure safely, but they also make the tank heavier, which isn't good for cars.
The thickness of the steel container is important for ensuring safety when storing gases like hydrogen under high pressure. A thicker container can withstand higher pressures but adds weight, which can be a disadvantage in automotive applications.
hydrogen fuel systems
"This is the exact kind of application you hear a lot about for hydrogen in the auto industry these days. But Forcia is also working on smaller tank systems for light vehicles as well."
Hydrogen fuel systems use hydrogen gas to create energy for cars. They work by storing hydrogen in tanks and using it to generate electricity, which helps the car run.
Hydrogen fuel systems are technologies that use hydrogen as a fuel source to power vehicles. These systems typically involve hydrogen tanks and fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity, which then powers electric motors.
Forcia
"But Forcia is also working on smaller tank systems for light vehicles as well."
Forcia is a company that makes new technology for cars, especially focusing on using hydrogen as a fuel source.
Forcia is a company that specializes in developing advanced technologies for the automotive industry, including hydrogen fuel systems and other innovative solutions for vehicles.
Stellantis
"The system that you see here is the system that we make for Stellantis. And one of the interesting things, and I always tell people this, you know, it's not that hydrogen is coming, hydrogen is now, right?"
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars, like Jeep and Dodge. They were created when two companies merged together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It produces a variety of vehicles under multiple brands, including Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot.
fuel cell vehicle
"So Stellantis has two variants of that same vehicle, one that is a fuel cell vehicle, another one that is a pure BEV."
A fuel cell vehicle is a type of car that runs on hydrogen. Instead of using gasoline, it makes electricity from hydrogen, and the only waste it produces is water.
A fuel cell vehicle (FCV) uses hydrogen as fuel to generate electricity through a chemical reaction in a fuel cell, producing only water and heat as byproducts. This technology is part of the broader movement towards cleaner transportation.
BEV
"So Stellantis has two variants of that same vehicle, one that is a fuel cell vehicle, another one that is a pure BEV."
A BEV is a car that runs only on electricity from batteries. It doesn't use gas or diesel, so it doesn't pollute the air while driving.
BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, with no internal combustion engine. They are considered environmentally friendly as they produce no tailpipe emissions.
Class 5 trucks
"Imagine if you are a utility company, right? And you've got a lot of these Class 5, 6 type trucks out there. These trucks also are oftentimes towing like a huge spool of wire or a trailer with some kind of excavator on it."
Class 5 trucks are larger vehicles used for work, like delivery or construction. They can carry heavy loads and are often seen in commercial settings.
Class 5 trucks are medium-duty vehicles typically used for commercial purposes, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 16,001 and 19,500 pounds. They are often utilized for tasks like towing and transporting goods.
battery electric
"And as soon as you hook up a trailer to one of those battery electric Class 5s, for example, you lose about 50% of your range."
Battery electric vehicles run only on electricity stored in batteries, which means they don't use gas or diesel. They are better for the environment because they don't produce exhaust fumes.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are powered entirely by electric batteries and do not use any gasoline or diesel fuel. They are known for being environmentally friendly and have zero tailpipe emissions.
hydrogen system
"And so this is where we're seeing the OEMs and fleet operators having strong interest in hydrogen because what we can do with a hydrogen system is allow that vehicle to have"
A hydrogen system uses hydrogen gas to create electricity for the vehicle. This can help the vehicle go further and be refueled faster than battery-powered cars.
A hydrogen system in vehicles typically refers to hydrogen fuel cell technology, which generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. This technology can provide longer ranges and quicker refueling times compared to traditional battery electric vehicles.
Toyota Prius
"... talking about it as far back as the 90s when the Prius first came out as something that would eventuall..."
The Toyota Prius is a type of car that uses both a regular gasoline engine and an electric motor to save fuel and produce less pollution. It was one of the first cars to do this and has been popular for people who want to be more environmentally friendly. Many people talk about it because it shows how cars can be made to use less gas and help the planet.
The Toyota Prius is a pioneering hybrid vehicle that was first introduced in the late 1990s. It is significant for popularizing hybrid technology, combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The Prius has become synonymous with eco-friendly driving and has influenced the development of many other hybrid and electric vehicles.
solid state batteries
"And the other big one is solid state batteries. This is something that we talk about a lot in the newsroom here at Automotive News."
Solid state batteries are a new kind of battery that uses solid materials instead of liquids. They can be safer and hold more energy, which is important for electric cars.
Solid state batteries are a type of battery technology that uses a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, potentially offering higher energy density, faster charging times, and improved safety. They are seen as a major advancement over traditional lithium-ion batteries.
EVs
"Well, because here's the thing, right? EVs seem really important. They're exciting in the market and they have the potential to let us drive around without polluting in the driving process, but they cost too much to make."
EVs stands for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are better for the environment because they don't produce harmful exhaust fumes while driving.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are automobiles that are powered entirely or partially by electricity. They are seen as a more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars, as they produce zero tailpipe emissions during operation.
solid state technology
"And solid state technology has been held out as a really terrific solution with the potential to be, you know, safer, cleaner, you know, charge faster."
Solid state technology is a new kind of battery that uses solid materials instead of liquids. This makes the batteries safer and more efficient, which is important for electric cars.
Solid state technology refers to a type of battery technology that uses solid materials instead of liquid or gel electrolytes. This can lead to batteries that are lighter, safer, and have a higher energy density, making them ideal for electric vehicles.
lithium ion battery
"...if you look at a lithium ion battery that's in EVs today, most EVs today, that's using a liquid or polymer gel electrolyte in the battery..."
A lithium ion battery is a battery that can be recharged and is often used in electric cars. It stores energy using lithium, making it efficient and lightweight.
A lithium ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs) due to its high energy density and efficiency. It uses lithium ions to store and release energy during charging and discharging cycles.
solid state battery
"...whereas solid state battery uses solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte. At least in most cases, we'll hear some variations on that in just a second."
A solid state battery is a newer type of battery that uses solid materials instead of liquids to store energy. This can make them safer and more efficient than regular batteries.
A solid state battery is an advanced type of battery that uses solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid or gel electrolytes found in traditional batteries. This technology promises higher energy density and improved safety.
hydrogen fuel cell
"...as we're seeing the hydrogen industry doing that?"
A hydrogen fuel cell is a technology that makes electricity from hydrogen gas. It's used in some cars to help them run without polluting the air.
A hydrogen fuel cell is a device that converts hydrogen gas into electricity, which can then be used to power electric motors in vehicles. This technology is seen as a clean alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
"...traditional lithium ion batteries, including the Chevrolet Bolt EV. We have been incubating this technology since like 2015-ish time in our company."
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is an electric car known for being budget-friendly and having a good driving range. It had some safety problems with its batteries, which led to recalls.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is an all-electric hatchback that has gained attention for its affordability and range. It faced significant recalls due to battery issues, prompting a shift in focus towards safer battery technologies.
Mercedes-Benz
"Factorial has entered joint development agreements with Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Hyundai Motor Company..."
Mercedes-Benz is a famous car brand that makes luxury cars. They are known for their high-quality vehicles and advanced technology.
Mercedes-Benz is a well-known luxury automotive brand that produces a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and sports cars. They are recognized for their engineering excellence and innovation in the automotive industry.
Factorial
"Factorial has entered joint development agreements with Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Hyundai Motor Company. This year, it unveiled a 100 amp hour battery cell at CES..."
Factorial is a company that makes batteries, especially for electric cars. They are working on new types of batteries that can hold more energy and work better.
Factorial is a company focused on developing advanced battery technologies, particularly in the realm of solid-state batteries. Their innovations aim to improve energy density and performance in electric vehicles.
100 amp hour battery cell
"This year, it unveiled a 100 amp hour battery cell at CES at the Stellantis exhibition space."
A 100 amp hour battery cell is a type of battery that can provide power for a long time. It tells you how much energy the battery can store and how long it can run things before needing to be recharged.
A 100 amp hour battery cell refers to a battery's capacity to deliver one amp of current for 100 hours, or 100 amps for one hour. This specification is crucial for understanding the energy storage capabilities of electric vehicle batteries.
carbon neutrality
"...Hyundai's goal is to be end to end carbon neutral from production to operation."
Carbon neutrality means not adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than you take away. Companies try to balance their emissions by using clean energy or planting trees to absorb carbon.
Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by balancing emitted carbon with an equivalent amount of carbon removal or offsetting. This can involve reducing emissions and investing in renewable energy or carbon offset projects.
lifecycle assessments
"...conduct lifecycle assessments and provide education and best practices."
Lifecycle assessments look at how a product affects the environment from the beginning to the end of its life. This helps companies find ways to be more eco-friendly.
Lifecycle assessments are a systematic analysis of the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire life, from raw material extraction to production, use, and disposal. This helps companies understand and minimize their ecological footprint.
charging stations
"The problem in Australia and probably elsewhere is the chargers, you know, that they're a pain when, you know, downloading all those apps and getting payment to work."
Charging stations are places where you can plug in and recharge electric cars. They are important because electric cars need to be charged regularly, just like how gas cars need to refuel.
Charging stations are locations where electric vehicles can recharge their batteries. The availability and convenience of these stations are critical for the practicality of owning an EV, especially in areas with low population density.
charger anxiety
"range anxiety, you have charger anxiety, because, you know, you show up to a charger and you're like, is this going to work?"
Charger anxiety is when you're worried about whether a charging station will be available or working when you need to charge your electric car. It can make driving an electric car stressful.
Charger anxiety is the concern that an electric vehicle driver feels about the availability and functionality of charging stations. This can lead to stress about whether a charging station will work when needed.
vehicle to grid technology
"...And then I'm actually most excited probably about vehicle to grid technology, using your car's electric battery to help support the electricity grid..."
Vehicle to grid technology lets electric cars send electricity back to the power grid. This helps manage energy use and can even earn money for car owners by selling electricity when it's needed.
Vehicle to grid (V2G) technology allows electric vehicles to send electricity back to the grid, helping to balance supply and demand. This can support renewable energy sources and provide additional income for EV owners.
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