Allison Transmission introduces hydrogen fuel cell vehicle testing

Allison Transmission (a designer and manufacturer of conventional, electric hybrid and fully electric vehicle propulsion solutions) announced the availability of hydrogen fuel cell and compressed natural gas (CNG) testing at its Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center.

As part of Allison’s goal to support developing and deploying alternative fuel vehicles that reduce emissions, the company has completed two installation phases of hydrogen capabilities.

Phase one provides the ability to safely detect and manage hydrogen gas or flames in the test cell. This same system can also detect and manage CNG power plants.

Phase two includes low pressure, constant hydrogen supply directly fed into the vehicle’s fuel cell, providing extended test runs while minimizing downtime for refuelling. These testing capabilities represent Allison’s commitment to innovation and leadership in developing alternative fuel options for the commercial vehicle industry.

Allison Transmission recently collaborated with one of its OEM partners to complete the testing of the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle at the Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center. Additional OEMs are scoping fuel cell vehicle testing projects for later this year.

The facility now has the capabilities to support external customer test and validation programs for vehicles powered by every major propulsion type, including diesel, gasoline, natural gas, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cells.

The 60,000-square-foot facility is the only one of its kind in the Midwest, offering the ability to conduct year-round testing in one centralized location that can replicate extreme environments to solidify dependable, reliable, repeatable, secure results. The facility’s capabilities move beyond powertrain innovation, enabling Allison and its partners to bring new, innovative technology and vehicle systems to market faster and more efficiently.

David Proctor, General Manager Allison Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center. “We are excited to expand the facility’s capabilities to support our OEM partners as they develop and optimize alternative fuel offerings intended to reduce emissions.”