WAE, the engineering division of the Williams Formula 1 team, has unveiled a new platform for high-performance hydrogen-fueled vehicles. Known as the EVRh, this architecture combines a state-of-the-art H2 fuel cell system with a liquid-cooled battery pack, resulting in a powerful and efficient vehicle.
The EVRh platform boasts an impressive power output of up to 576bhp, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62mph in less than 2.5 seconds. With such performance capabilities, WAE estimates that a car built on this platform could complete a lap of the Nürburgring in under 7 minutes and 20 seconds.
One of the key advantages of the EVRh platform is its versatility. It is designed to accommodate various body types, including grand-touring coupés and targa-tops. This flexibility allows car manufacturers to create unique and visually appealing designs while benefiting from the platform’s high-performance capabilities.
In addition to its power and design flexibility, the EVRh platform also offers fast charging capabilities. The battery can be rapidly charged at rates of up to 120kW, ensuring minimal downtime for drivers. This feature is particularly important as it addresses one of the main concerns associated with hydrogen-fueled vehicles – the availability of charging infrastructure.
The EVRh platform features a mid-engined layout, which optimizes the vehicle’s center of gravity for enhanced handling and performance. It can support both rear-wheel and front-wheel drive configurations, providing car manufacturers with the flexibility to create vehicles tailored to their specific needs.
WAE believes that the EVRh platform will enable car brands to accelerate their entry into the hydrogen car market. By reducing development time and costs, this platform offers a cost-effective solution for bringing state-of-the-art fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) to market.
This is not the first time WAE has developed a platform aimed at helping smaller car manufacturers enter the market. Last year, the company introduced the EVR architecture, designed to assist low-volume sports car makers in transitioning to battery-electric vehicles. Austrian start-up Deus, for example, is utilizing the EVR platform for its Vayanne hypercar, which boasts an impressive power output of 2169bhp and 1475lb ft.
The EVRh platform was recently showcased at Cenex LCV, an event focused on road-transport solutions aimed at achieving net-zero emissions. This platform demonstrates WAE’s commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies for zero-carbon vehicles and its ability to bring these solutions to market rapidly and cost-effectively.
Paul McNamara, Technical Director at WAE, expressed his excitement about the EVRh platform, stating, “EVRh is another key example of WAE’s capabilities in the development of solutions for zero-carbon vehicles, enabling state-of-the-art FCEVs to be brought to market rapidly and cost-effectively.”
As the automotive industry continues to transition towards sustainable transportation solutions, hydrogen-fueled vehicles are gaining traction due to their long-range capabilities and quick refueling times. With the introduction of the EVRh platform, WAE is poised to play a significant role in the development and adoption of hydrogen-powered high-performance vehicles.
In conclusion, WAE’s EVRh platform offers a cutting-edge solution for car manufacturers looking to enter the hydrogen car market. With its powerful performance, design flexibility, fast charging capabilities, and cost-effectiveness, this platform has the potential to revolutionize the industry and accelerate the adoption of hydrogen-fueled vehicles. As WAE continues to innovate and develop transformative technologies, the future of zero-carbon transportation looks brighter than ever.