John Deere Hydrogen Powered Utility Vehicle

So why are we featuring a commercial work vehicle here? Because it’s cool, that’s why. This isn’t a run-of-the-mill utility vehicle from John Deere, that prolific manufacturer of signature green equipment for farm, forestry, commercial, agricultural, and consumer use. Rather, it’s a high-tech fuel cell demonstrator that John Deere’s ePower Technologies group cooked up with Hydrogenics, a Canadian fuel cell developer specializing in fuel cells for light mobility vehicles and stationary power generation. It features a Hydrogenics HyPM2 power module with a 20kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack backed by nickel-metal-hydride batteries, providing the juice to drive a pair of 30kW electric motors and motivate this vehicle to 40 mph. Enough gaseous hydrogen is stored in its 5,000 psi storage tank to allow running for about six hours. As a bonus, a 20kW power strip is provided at the rear so the on-board fuel cell can be tapped to power a wide range of electrical devices or, if you’d rather, four single-family homes.

This vehicle is no slouch. We had the opportunity to strap in and test drive this demonstrator, finding that it not only offers the power and stability needed in a non-road utility vehicle, but also some capabilities that confound the senses. Can you say “crab steering?” This utility vehicle incorporates four-wheel steering that allows counter steering for maneuvering in tight places when needed, and crab steering that enables the vehicle to move sideways. Weird...in a mildly satisfying sort of way that makes you want to head directly to the closest parallel parking opportunity.

The ePower Technologies group’s aim isn’t just demonstration, but rather bringing electrified products to market as a way of addressing environmental compatibility, enhancing productivity, and increasing operating performance. As a next step, John Deere is working with Hydrogenics to develop and pre-commercialize forklifts using fuel cell power and metal hydride hydrogen storage systems. The company is also working to bring diesel-electric power to its commercial non-road vehicles and has already brought a battery powered E-Gator electric utility vehicle to market.