Jaguar Land Rover to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell Defender

Jaguar Land Rover's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Initiative

Jaguar Land Rover is currently engaged in the development of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. This innovative project utilizes the foundation of the latest Defender SUV model.

Project Zeus and Zero-Emission Goals

Prototype testing is scheduled to commence in the coming year. This initiative, designated Project Zeus, is integral to JLR’s broader objective of exclusively manufacturing zero-tailpipe emission vehicles by 2036.

Furthermore, JLR has pledged to achieve complete carbon neutrality throughout its entire supply chain, encompassing both product lifecycle and operational processes, by the year 2039.

Collaboration and Engineering Focus

Project Zeus receives partial funding from the U.K. government’s Advanced Propulsion Center.

The automaker is collaborating with key partners including AVL, Delta Motorsport, Marelli Automotive Systems, and the U.K. Battery Industrialization Center to facilitate the prototype’s development.

The testing program is specifically designed to provide engineers with insights into developing a hydrogen powertrain. This powertrain must meet the performance and capability expectations of Land Rover customers, including towing capacity and off-road performance.

The Technology Behind Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Fuel cells operate by combining hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, a process that does not involve combustion.

The electricity produced from hydrogen then powers an electric motor. This technology is gaining traction among automakers, researchers, and policymakers due to its advantages.

These advantages include rapid refueling times, high energy density, and sustained range even in cold weather conditions, ultimately enabling longer driving distances for electric vehicles.

Current Market Status of FCEVs

Currently, the availability of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) is limited, largely due to the scarcity of refueling infrastructure.

The Toyota Mirai serves as a prominent example of an FCEV currently available on the market.

Growing Momentum in the FCEV Sector

Recent data from the International Energy Agency and commitments from various automakers indicate a potential shift in this landscape.

BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse recently announced plans to produce a limited number of hydrogen fuel-cell powered X5 SUVs in the upcoming year.

Global FCEV Sales and Infrastructure

The number of FCEVs worldwide nearly doubled between the previous year and 2019, reaching 25,210 units, according to the latest IEA data.

The United States has historically led in FCEV sales, although a slight decline was observed in 2019. Following the U.S., China, Japan, and Korea represent significant markets.

Japan's Leadership in FCEV Infrastructure

Japan is at the forefront of infrastructure development, aiming to have 200,000 FCEVs on its roads by 2025.

As of 2019, the country had established 113 hydrogen refueling stations, nearly double the number available in the United States.

Jaguar Land Rover's Vision for Hydrogen

“We know hydrogen has a role to play in the future powertrain mix across the whole transport industry, and alongside battery electric vehicles, it offers another zero tailpipe emission solution for the specific capabilities and requirements of Jaguar Land Rover’s world class line-up of vehicles,” stated Ralph Clague, head of hydrogen and fuel cells for Jaguar Land Rover.