JLR working on hydrogen Defender
A PROTOTYPE of the Land Rover Defender powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology is being developed.
Testing on a zero-emission version of the 4x4 will begin later this year, manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) said.
The scheme is part of the company’s work under Project Zeus, which aims to achieve zero tailpipe emissions by 2036 and net-zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039.
The technology involves using hydrogen to generate electricity to power a motor, with water being the only waste product.
Rival manufacturers Toyota and Hyundai already have hydrogen vehicles on sale.
JLR’s head of hydrogen and fuel cells, Ralph Clague, said: “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.
“The work done alongside our partners in Project Zeus will help us on our journey to become a netzero carbon business by 2039, as we prepare for the next generation of zero tailpipe emissions vehicles.”
Jim Holder, editorial director of What Car?, said the announcement was “a significant moment” for the industry as the Land Rover brand is “synonymous” with SUVs, which have been criticised due to their impact on the environment.
He said: “To thrive into the future Land Rover needs to demonstrate technical leadership, especially around electrification, and to that end a prototype vehicle to gather data on the viability of zero emission hydrogen fuel cell technology is extremely positive news for the company and its customers.”