Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. (Irvine, CA) announced that the US Army TARDEC National Automotive Center (NAC) expanded its contract with Quantum to include a transportable hydrogen refueler, the HyHauler Plus™. The refueler will be used to support the high-performance, hydrogen fuel-cell-powered, light-duty, off-road vehicle currently being developed as part of the original contract with the US Army announced last October. The contract amount is $1 million.
The refueler and the vehicle will both be designed and manufactured by Quantum's Advanced Vehicle Concept Center in Lake Forest, CA, and delivered to the US Army for demonstrations at military bases throughout the country. The vehicle will feature a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered, hybrid-electric powertrain. Specifically, Quantum is developing a chassis and body, integrating the fuel cell power module, designing the electric drive system, designing the hydrogen fuel storage and delivery system, and developing the operational and maintenance documentation.
The HyHauler Plus™ is a light-weight, trailer-mounted, hydrogen fuel-dispensing system designed for fast fills up to 350 bar (5,000 psi) with up to 5 kg of hydrogen per fill. The HyHauler Plus™ utilizes an on-board electrolyzer to generate hydrogen from water and electricity. The self-contained unit can be easily transported by a full-size pickup truck or sport utility vehicle rated for towing, and is anticipated to deliver enough fuel for up to 11 light-duty, off-road vehicles.
