Plug & Drive H2 Storage System
The Voith Plug & Drive H2 Storage System is making a major contribution to the decarbonization of heavy goods transport worldwide and delivers outstanding performance.
Long distance capability
As an energy source, hydrogen is the alternative to fossil fuels and the future solution for long distances in the heavy goods transport segment. The Voith Plug & Drive H2 Storage System is available in various capacity levels, e.g. with 56, 75 and 112 kg hydrogen. Therefore, it allows ranges of 700 to more than 1,000 km, which would be inconceivable with a purely battery-electric drive system, as a lithium-ion battery with an equivalent capacity would weigh just under six metric tons.
Fast refueling
With their slow charging time, batteries cause long vehicle downtimes and generate a lot of heat loss. In comparison, hydrogen is unbeatable: A 55 kg tank filling is enough for around 700 km, and refueling takes less than 10 minutes.
Lower operating costs (TCO)
Voith is looking at the big picture: The TCO (total cost of ownership) of hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles will soon be lower than that of diesel or battery-powered trucks. Compared with the battery-electric model, the low weight of the hydrogen tank allows for an extra payload capacity on the truck of around five metric tons. On the production line, the modular Plug & Drive system with its three simple connection points is mounted in just 10 minutes. Long service life, long reach, short fueling time. Extra efficiency all round.
We take a holistic approach
We are not only supplying a reliable hydrogen tank but also a total system including H2 periphery and electrical controls. Plug & Drive offers a modular, platform-based, all-round package for direct installation.
All-inclusive and in a single unit
| Attribute | H2 Core | H2 Optional large side tank | H2 Optional small side tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| H2 capacity | 56.8 kg | 14.2 kg | 5.7 kg |
| Pressure level | 700 bar | 700 bar | 700 bar |
| Certification | ADR1, HGV-2 | R134, HGV-2 | HGV-2 |
| Fueling time | 10 minutes | - | - |
1 planned
Different variants for flexible user needs
| Variant: Basic H2 Core Module | |
|---|---|
| H2 capacity | 56.8 kg |
|
Variant: H2 Core Module + two side tanks1 |
|
|---|---|
| H2 capacity | 76.7 kg |
1 One large + one small side tank
| Variant: H2 Double Core Module | |
|---|---|
| H2 capacity | 113.6 kg |
We’re your hydrogen system partner
E-mobility solutions from Voith are a major driver for the transformation to emission-free heavy goods transport on the roads. From tank nozzle to fuel cell inlet, we supply you with a tested and ready-to-install 700 bar system in automotive series production quality.
Voith already has an extensive network of partners in H2 technology, including companies in H2 filling stations, component development, H2 gas production and supply.
Voith has a broad range of knowledge across the entire H2 value chain, from generation to transport and storage, as well as the use of hydrogen in various industries.
Plug & Drive
In series production, you benefit from the fact that our Plug & Drive system can be connected to the vehicle quickly and easily. And that’s exactly what we intended. Just three connection points ensure that it can be mounted on the production line in just 10 minutes.
Competence in composites
What we bring to the table is our sound expertise in carbon composites, combined with more than a decade of experience in the automotive industry.
As an automotive supplier, we bring over 10 years of composites experience to the table, which we are now using to develop and mass-produce 700-bar type IV hydrogen storage systems. We not only have solid experience in concept, design and prototype building but also in series production.
Every year we produce more than 65,000 components from carbon fiber materials to automotive standard. Our 700-bar type IV high-pressure tanks weigh 75% less than a type I tank and therefore offer enormous weight savings. For the vehicles, this means a longer service life, much greater reach, higher load capacity and short refueling times.
Voith’s H2 storage system is a type IV system, which means maximum safety, maximum reliability and maximum quality. We produce ECR134-certified tanks from high-tech TowPreg according to automotive standards using automated quality controls. The H2 periphery consists of EC79/R134-certified valves and pressure controllers as well as the complete piping with all emergency functions, including leak and function tests prior to delivery. Voith is your partner for 100% reliability, especially for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
Voith is ready to deliver high automotive volumes in proven quality
As an e-mobility platform provider, we are designing our hydrogen technology to meet automotive industry standards. As an automotive supplier, we have over 10 years of experience in composites that we are now combining with our expertise for integrated systems. This ambitious approach makes us the ideal Plug & Drive partner to OEMs of heavy-duty trucks. With Voith, hydrogen technology in heavy goods transport is already feasible.
Our approach is not only to develop and build innovative tanks. But to recycle them as well.
With 10 years of R&D in the area of carbon fiber recycling, Voith is a trailblazer for a circular economy over the entire product life cycle. Thanks to its favorable CO2 footprint, green hydrogen has the opportunity to become the preferred gaseous energy source worldwide. To make the Plug & Drive technology even more sustainable for future generations, Voith is developing a recycling process for the carbon-plastic materials used. With a decade of research experience in this area, we are striving to achieve a circular economy over the entire product life cycle.
At home across the entire H2 industry
Voith has a broad range of knowledge about all aspects of the hydrogen value chain and nurtures partnerships across the entire industry, from hydrogen generation to transport and storage as well as the use of hydrogen in various sectors of the economy. Hydrogen as an energy source is the transport and storage solution that helps to decarbonize our economic system.
The benefits of partnering with Voith
- As an OEM, you will find in Voith the right partner to further develop hydrogen technology and use Plug & Drive systems
- Voith supplies modular base components for optimized customer-specific solutions and requirements
- Agile project teams ensure deep customer integration and co-development
