Karma is joining forces with Blue World Technology to test the latter company’s fuel cell system in GS-6 prototypes.
The testing and validation process will occur over the next few months and take place in Denmark as well as the United States.
Details are limited, but the prototypes will feature methanol fuel cells and a methanol reformer. They allow hydrogen to be produced on board the vehicle.
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While most companies use hydrogen fuel cells, Karma explained that “methanol is a hydrogen-carrier commodity fuel already traded worldwide and it can be stored and distributed using the existing infrastructure in many countries around the world.” They went on to note “methanol can be produced using renewable sources” and refueling a methanol vehicle is similar to refueling one with an internal combustion engine.
This is one of the key benefits of FCVs as they don’t require drivers to sit around and wait for their vehicle to recharge. Of course, infrastructure is the big issue and one that has limited sales of hydrogen-powered vehicles like the Toyota Mirai.
In a statement, Karma CEO Dr. Lance Zhou said “We are investing in these types of powertrain technologies now to prepare for an emission-free world by having various extended-range electrification solutions that include hydrogen, ethanol and methanol fuel cells as a propulsion system.” He added, “This collaboration brings together Blue World’s strength in fuel cell development and our vast expertise in engineering hybrid propulsion systems and integrating electric vehicle technologies.”
