Microcab - life without oil

The next-generation hybrid machine brings together expertise from the automotive and motorsport industries, incorporating a chassis designed by Delta Motorsport and Microcab and engineered by Lotus. For its power source the H2EV features a Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies system whose modules comprise the fuel cell, its control system and power-conditioning circuitry to charge the vehicle battery. This hybrid powertrain architecture combines the power capability of a Lithium-ion battery with the energy capability of a hydrogen fuel cell to achieve excellent vehicle performance with ultra-low energy usage and zero emissions.

This four-seat, multi-purpose H2EV Microcab can be used as a car, a light van or a taxi, and has been designed to use either a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain or a pure battery EV drive, depending on the user's requirements and their access to refuelling infrastructure. That refuelling infrastructure has been strengthened with Coventry University’s new hydrogen fuel station.

H2EV Vehicle Specification

Data

• Length : 3.5 metres
• Height : 1.7 metres
• Width : 1.6 metres
• Gross vehicle weight : approx 750kg
• Chassis : Lotus bonded aluminium
• Crash protection : Front offset impact; side impact; roof crush
• Drive : Twin DC motors, 40kW peak
• Main drive voltage : 72v
• Transmission : Belt drive to front wheels
• Lithium battery pack : 4.3kWh capacity
• Fuel cell : High temperature Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM)
• Fuel cell power : 3.0kW continuous
• Hydrogen tank capacity : 1.8kg
• Hydrogen tank pressure : 350 bar
• Range on full tank : up to 120 miles
• Max speed : 55mph