Among the four zero-emissions technologies, hydrogen combustion is still in its infancy, despite a (patchy) history going back to the 1806 de Rivaz engine, which ran on a hydrogen–oxygen mixture. For a long time, hydrogen combustion engines were disregarded, as the very high costs of hydrogen made the powertrain uneconomical. Today, however, some automotive OEMs, component suppliers, and start-ups are reconsidering hydrogen combustion as an additional component of their future powertrain portfolios, alongside batteries and fuel cells.
Despite impressive developments, batteries and fuel-cell technology are not yet ready to meet the very high-power requirements needed for the harsh conditions to which many heavy-duty vehicles (especially in the off-highway segment) are exposed. Mining trucks, for instance, require several megawatts worth of power, run around the clock, and are exposed to extreme vibrations and heat development, as well as dirt in the air. Internal combustion engines have met these requirements for decades, and a switch from diesel to hydrogen could be a straightforward way to decarbonize these engines, with a relatively minor requirement for further technical innovation.
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