Serenergy is presently the only European company to have commercialized high-temperature PEM (HTPEM) technology, which Microcab believes offers advantages for its targeted automotive applications. Last fall Serenergy and Metha Energy Solutions unveiled a ground-breaking hybrid HTPEM/battery electric vehicle running on reformed methanol, ahead of the COP15 climate change conference in Copenhagen.

Microcab is employing lightweight construction techniques and fuel cell hybrid powertrains in versatile electric vehicles for light transport operations in urban and suburban areas. The hybrid powertrain architecture combines the power capability of a lithium-ion battery with the energy capability of a hydrogen fuel cell, to achieve the necessary vehicle performance with ultra-low energy usage and zero emissions.

Microcab and Serenergy intend to work closely together to develop this and future automotive applications. Initially Serenergy will supply a system module comprising the fuel cell, its control system, and power conditioning circuitry to supply the hybrid battery and electric drive.

Microcab and its associates will initially manufacture eight vehicles to the new design, which will be supplied to Coventry University for participation in a 12-month trial as part of the Coventry and Birmingham Low Emissions Demonstrator (CABLED) project.