Information on Loughborough

Loughborough MP Praises Intelligent Energy on Hydrogen Black Cabs for the Olympics

Posted on 21/05/2008
J. Milton

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Loughborough MP Andy Reed yesterday (20th May 2008) offered his congratulations to Intelligent Energy, a local Loughborough based fuel cell power producing company for its lead in the production of hydrogen fuel cell London taxis. A fleet of classic London cabs will be fitted with zero emission hydrogen fuel cell power systems in time for the Olympics in 2012.

Intelligent Energy make Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. PEM fuel cells are generally accepted as the leading technology for replacement of the internal combustion engine, with application to a wide range of motive power sectors, for cars, motorcycles, buses, rail and marine.

The taxis will be powered by fuel cells and batteries configured into an electric hybrid, so the vehicles will be able to operate for a full day without refuelling. They will be capable of achieving speeds of up to 75 mph, with the fuel cell powertrain providing better acceleration than standard taxis. The vehicles will top up their hydrogen tanks at central depots in a refuelling process will take only a few minutes.

Chief executive officer at Intelligent Energy, Henri Winand, said,

“With the price of oil continuing to rise and CO2 emissions increasing,we need to introduce alternatives to the petrol and diesel engine. Fuelcell vehicles offer considerable well-to-wheel emissions savings, and produce no pollution at the tail-pipe. The black cab is an internationally recognised and iconic symbol of London and this partnership is an important part of making low carbon transport a practical and near-term reality. This project is central to our plans to supply zero emissions power systems to the automotive market.”

Hydrogen fuel cells produce power from hydrogen and air, the only emissions coming in the form of water vapour. The fuel cell system will be able to function at temperatures as low as -20°C, and will fit in the space allotted to the engine in the current LTI TX4 taxi design.

The MP for Loughborough Andy Reed said:

“I congratulate Intelligent Energy in it being at the forefront of green energy development and this is another step forward for green energy and I fully support it. it is great that we have companies investing in new and green sources of energy and they have my full support.

It is great to think we will have zero emission cabs driving people around for the Olympics.”