Applus+ IDIADA in the frontline supporting EU plans to reach carbon neutrality for cars and commercial vehicles

Following the European Commission’s definition of a dedicated strategy to reach Europe’s carbon neutrality by 2050, as set out in the EU Green Deal, a preliminary study was commissioned by the public-private partnership Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU).

A subsequent Coalition Statement on the deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen heavy-duty trucks in Europe was signed. Achieving a climate-neutral Europe became, from then on, a matter of paramount importance. With this objective in mind, Applus+ IDIADA has participated in the position paper Green Hydrogen in Automotive Road Transport, published by EARPA’s Foresight Group Energy Powertrains and Electrification (EPE).

Among the main topics covered in the paper, the possible use of hydrogen in transportation, the research needs, as well as its production and promotion in Europe take on special significance. In these sections, the main components affected by hydrogen technology such as fuel cells, hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines and tanks are described. Finally, the need for specific simulation and development methodologies is also briefly assessed.

Marco Mammetti, Powertrain R&D Manager at Applus+ IDIADA, states “IDIADA is convinced that renewable and environmentally friendly hydrogen is a feasible way to achieve the long-term need for a 'Fit-for-55 package' in the framework of the European Green Deal. This implies a CO2 emissions reduction target of net 55% compared to 1990 levels for cars and commercial vehicles by 2030, and a reduction of 90% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”

Currently, Applus+ IDIADA is investing heavily in know-how and facilities to meet the technological needs of this challenge. According to Mammetti, such investments “will allow our clients to develop hydrogen-fuelled powertrains using strictly circular CO2 as a feedstock as well as fuel cell technology, including the whole energy chain.  I am convinced that it will be part of the solution regarding the overall reduction of emissions from the transport system in the medium to long term.”