University to trial pioneering technology in eco-driving challenge
A MAJOR advance in alternative fuel technology – developed in Birmingham – will be put through its paces in a public event next month.
A team from the University of Birmingham, Lex Autolease and Fuel Cell Systems is trialling a hydrogen fuel cell-powered Hyundai iX35 in the MPG Marathon eco-driving challenge.
Monica Guise, sustainable logistics manager at the University of Birmingham, said: “The university is at the forefront and plays a pivotal role in the work carried out at the Centre for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research. We hope that by taking part in the MPG Marathon we can show how sustainable and effective hydrogen fuel is.”
Lex Autolease is involved in the project to assess the fleet potential of alternative fuelled vehicles.
Chris Chandler, principal consultant for the company, said: “What’s particularly exciting about this entry is despite it being a very new technology and road fuel, this is a genuine fleet car being used on a daily basis by the University of Birmingham, not a trial or demonstration car.
“We’re very proud to be working with the University of Birmingham on its zero emission strategy and I’m looking forward to co-piloting the iX35 during the MPG Marathon. We hope the event will help to raise awareness of the capabilities of these advanced vehicles.”
Fuel Cell Systems is supporting the entry with its own hydrogen fuel cell refuelling truck, which will be demonstrated in pre-production form during the event.
“Whilst the UK hydrogen filling station network continues to grow, there are many regions where hydrogen is not yet available to fill vehicles,” said Fuel Cell Systems’ managing director Tom Sperrey.
“Our refuelling truck provides an interim measure to enable demonstrations of hydrogen vehicles at events, and also for larger customer trials.”
The annual MPG Marathon takes place on October 18-19, with the aim of highlighting the benefits of fuel efficient, economical driving, while at the same time providing a shop window for some of the most innovative, eco-friendly and diverse vehicles on sale – and even some not yet on sale – in the UK.
The event will be based at the Heythrop Park Resort in Oxfordshire. Competitors will be tasked with planning their own routes to four different venues across the heart of the country, including a visit to the Silverstone racing circuit in Northamptonshire, home to the British Grand Prix.
Their aim is to achieve the highest possible MPG figure for their vehicle, with prizes being awarded for those that achieve not just the best overall MPG figure, but also the most significant improvement over the manufacturer’s quoted figure.
