WAE Technologies (WAE) has revealed its latest hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle innovation, at this year’s CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle (LCV) Show (stand C3-606).

The ultra-high performance hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle platform – EVRh – has been developed to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen (H2) powered powertrain systems through implementation in a high- performance vehicle application. Produced by WAE in Oxfordshire, EVRh combines WAE’s extensive vehicle and powertrain engineering experience alongside a cutting-edge H2 fuel cell system, in one innovative package, allowing for end users to have zero tailpipe emissions driving.

The launch of EVRh comes exactly one year since the reveal of its fully electric derivative, EVR. EVRh utilizes an H2 fuel cell system, to produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell stack. Working with partners for the H2 fuel cell system, paired with WAE’s systems integration and electrification technology, EVRh determines the potential of hydrogen powered performance systems, as a parallel-hybrid derivative of its EVR rolling chassis concept.

Featuring a lightweight composite structure, the high-performance H2 fuel cell and battery system are situated in the middle of the vehicle, optimizing center of gravity. The platform’s design flexibility enables manufacturers to create multiple configurations from track-only vehicle, where power-to-weight is maximized, to roadgoing models of both open-roof Targa and fixed-roof GT style.

This is made possible by the architecture’s central tub which has been designed from day one to allow for such flexibility – including open roof design – while still featuring the very latest performance technology such as active aerodynamics.

The powertrain has a state-of-art liquid-cooled FCEV battery pack at its core, EVRh is capable of discharging 430kW of power and having a 120kW charge power, enabling sub-2.5secs 0-100km/h acceleration and an estimated lap time of the Nürburgring in under 7mins 20secs. Hydrogen storage is in two tanks with a combined volume of 100 litres enabling a range of 600km.  All-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive layouts are supported through multiple e-motor configurations.

The Hydrogen hybrid powertrain also brings multiple benefits to manufacturers, enabling an accelerated route to market, with the entire engineering and assembly completed by WAE, significantly reducing time and cost from development to market launch.

Similarly, both OEMs and Tier 1s have the chance to incorporate new products into the powertrain using EVRh, since the rolling chassis can undergo continuous enhancements by leveraging WAE’s latest motor and battery technologies.

Paul McNamara, technical director for WAE Technologies, said: “Since its inception in 2010, WAE has been dedicated to innovating cutting-edge and transformative technologies across a variety of applications and industries. EVRh, on display at CENEX LCV for the first time, is another key example of WAE’s capabilities in the development of solutions for zero carbon vehicles, enabling state-of-the-art FCEV vehicles to be brought to market rapidly and cost-effectively.”

In line with WAE’s planned expansion, WAE will also be showcasing opportunities for anyone wishing to join our rapidly growing global team and committed to delivering a zero emissions future.

About WAE Technologies

WAE Technologies is a world-leading technology and engineering services business delivering pioneering innovation to improve performance, efficiency and sustainability to a global customer base.

Combining cutting-edge technological advances and the industry’s best engineers with precision and speed to market derived from the ultra-competitive environment of motorsport, WAE’s capabilities cover a wide range of disciplines.

The company can trace its foundations back to 2010 when Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited began diversifying its operations; a division which later became Williams Advanced Engineering. WAE has grown from an embryonic business in 2010 to a global company which employs over 1000 people engaged in leading-edge and transformative technologies for a growing list of Tier 1 clients.

Following the acquisition by Fortescue, which completed in March 2022, WAE will continue to service its existing customers and commercialize new technology opportunities, in addition to playing a key role in supporting Fortescue’s decarbonization strategy, becoming a global tier one manufacturer.

The company was honored with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation 2018.

For more information, see www.wae.com.