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MAHLE Powertrain has entered the testing phase for hydrogen combustion engines (H2-ICE), aiming to decarbonize the heavy-duty haulage sector. The project, named Project Cavendish, is a £9.8 million initiative funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) to develop fast-to-market hydrogen solutions. The company’s specialized Northampton testing facility plays a key role in optimizing hydrogen combustion technology for existing truck engines, ensuring a seamless transition using current platforms and infrastructure.
Key Highlights:
- Project Cavendish is designed to accelerate hydrogen adoption in heavy-duty transport.
- MAHLE Powertrain’s expertise in hydrogen and alternative fuels strengthens development efforts.
- The Northampton testing center features high-capacity hydrogen storage, advanced dynamometers, and in-house monitoring systems.
- EU regulations demand a 45% CO2 reduction by 2030, increasing to 90% by 2040, pressuring industries to adopt low-emission alternatives.
- The UK Government’s commitment to hydrogen and carbon capture includes £8.3 billion for hydrogen investment and £21.7 billion for carbon capture projects.
- Project partners such as PHINIA, BorgWarner, Cambustion, and Hartridge contribute to fuel injection and turbocharging advancements for mass production readiness.
- Hydrogen’s potential spans beyond road transport, with applications in rail, aviation, and maritime industries.
Jonathan Hall, Head of Research and Advanced Engineering at MAHLE Powertrain, emphasized hydrogen’s role in long-haul transport, stating:
“Hydrogen combustion engines (H2-ICE) are well-suited to heavy-duty, long-distance applications that are hard to electrify. Its use allows industry to take advantage of years of development and investment as a means to accelerate the transition towards net zero.”
Hydrogen Infrastructure and Future Prospects
MAHLE Powertrain’s recently upgraded Northampton facility can accommodate two tube-trailers for near-continuous hydrogen supply, ensuring uninterrupted testing. The 900 kW / 4,000 Nm dynamometers support heavy-duty performance demands, while in-house safety and control systems provide real-time monitoring.
As EU and US emissions regulations tighten, MAHLE Powertrain’s hydrogen-focused research and development offers a viable, scalable alternative to traditional fuels. By leveraging hydrogen combustion alongside fuel cell technology, the industry is preparing for a sustainable future in commercial transport.
About MAHLE Powertrain
MAHLE Powertrain specializes in engineering services for internal combustion and electrified powertrains, delivering efficient, production-feasible solutions. A subsidiary of the MAHLE Group, the company operates six global technical centers across the UK, Germany, the USA, and China, with approximately 450 employees driving innovation in powertrain technology.
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