Dedicated to the production of engines (particularly Diesel) for many years, the German Deutz AG now unveils its first hydrogen engine, the TCG 7.8 H2.
With six in-line cylinders, this one is based on an existing engine from Deutz AG and works just like any other internal combustion engine. The difference is that this combustion is achieved by “burning” hydrogen instead of gasoline or diesel.
If you recall, this is not the first time we have reported on a combustion engine that uses hydrogen as fuel. This year, Toyota lined up a Corolla with a hydrogen engine in the NAPAC Fuji Super TEC 24 Hours — with success, by the way, when they managed to complete the race.
According to Deutz AG, this engine may have the same use as the other engines of the brand, being able to be used in tractors, construction machinery, trucks, trains or as a generator. However, given the deficient hydrogen supply network, the German company initially aims for use as a generator or in trains.
Almost ready for production
After having impressed in “lab” tests, the TCG 7.8 H2 is getting ready to enter a new phase in 2022: that of real-world testing. To this end, Deutz AG has partnered with a German company that will use it as a power generator in stationary equipment from the beginning of next year.
The objective of this pilot project is to show the viability of the daily use of the engine that delivers a total of 200 kW (272 hp) of power and that the German company intends to launch in the market as early as 2024.
According to Deutz AG, this engine fulfills “all the criteria defined by the EU to classify an engine as being zero CO2 emissions“.
Still on the TCG 7.8 H2, Deutz AG Executive Director Frank Hiller said: We already manufacture “clean” and highly efficient engines. Now we are taking the next step: our hydrogen engine is ready for the market. This represents an important milestone that will help to contribute to achieving the Paris climate goals”.