Volkswagen Tiguan HyMotion at 2007 Bibendum Challenge

Press Release

Prototype of Tiguan HyMotion is the first fuel cell SUV by Volkswagen

In Shanghai, for the first time in the world Volkswagen is presenting a SUV prototype with a fuel cell: the Tiguan HyMotion. Compared to the recently introduced Touran HyMotion, performance of the fuel cell drive has been further improved, and its efficiency has been optimized. The fuel cell system with an output power of 80 kW was integrated in the Tiguan’s engine compartment. The electric motor operates here too. It develops a maximum power of 100 kW. The top speed of the Tiguan HyMotion is 150 km/h; the prototype, weighing in at 1,870 kilograms, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 14 seconds.

A lithium ion battery with a charge capacity of 6.8 Ampere-hours (Ah) serves as an auxiliary energy storage device. Its maximum power output is 22 kW. The battery is charged by recovered braking energy (recuperation) or by the fuel cell. The battery system is installed in the trunk, specifically beneath the dual cargo floor that can be ordered on the production Tiguan. The 700 bar hydrogen tank was integrated in the area beneath the rear bench seat and the cargo area. It can hold up to 3.2 kilograms of hydrogen (H2). Interior space is not impaired by the fuel cell drive system.

Basic operation of fuel cells

The key component of each individual fuel cell – a number of them are combined into a stack – is a proton-conducting membrane. It is located between each anode and cathode pair. Hydrogen flows on the anode side, and air flows into the cell on the cathode side. When many of these cells are combined in a stack, enough energy can be generated to drive a vehicle. In each cell, hydrogen and oxygen react to form water on the cathode side. The fuel cell thereby converts chemical energy directly into electrical energy in an oxidation process, a so-called “cold” combustion process. The generated “exhaust” is nothing but clean water vapor.

The fuel cell is supplied from the hydrogen tank and an external air inlet. The fuel cell outputs the electrical energy it generates – the power – via a converter and a downstream electrical system rectifier – to one or more electric motors. The resulting car is nearly silent when driven, and it is always driven emissions-free.

Zero emissions Passat was constructed by renowned Tongji University

The zero emissions version of the Passat Lingyu is ahead of its time. The prototype, jointly developed by Volkswagen and Tongji University in China, is an example of Volkswagen’s long-term collaborative work with the world’s most creative thinkers in developing new solutions for a clean future. Tongji University, which by the way was founded by Germans as a “medical school” in 1907, is one of the most respected universities in Asia today.

The fact is: The students and professors developed the Passat Lingyu to be one of the first vehicles whose fuel cell was practically entirely created at a Chinese university. An extraordinary performance. The Passat is powered by an 88 kW strong electric motor. The low-temperature fuel cell from the Tongji University supplies the energy; it is the fourth generation to be developed on the campus so far.

The hydrogen fuel cell is located in the underbody of the Passat Lingyu. The fuel cell system develops a peak power of 55 kW. The energy recovered by converting hydrogen (H2) into water (H2O) is fed into a lithium ion battery. It is located beneath the rear bench seat and has a capacity of eight Ampere-hours (Ah) at 376 Volt (V).

The gaseous hydrogen (total of 3.2 kilograms) is transferred to a carbon fiber reinforced pressure tank at 350 bar. Assuming an average consumption of about 1.36 kilograms H per 100 kilometers, the theoretical range would be 235 kilometers on one tank of fuel.

The torque-strong electric drive (210 Nm) delivers a very special and fascination. Mounted on the driven front axle, the motor provides for reasonable acceleration times (0-100 km/h: 15 s) and a top speed of 140 km/h. During faster accelerations the lithium ion battery plays a supporting role. When the Passat Lingyu is braked, on the other hand, energy flows back into the battery. It is located beneath the rear bench seat and has a capacity of eight Ampere-hours (Ah) at 376 Volt (V).