Hydrogen-powered scooter: Satyajit and Supriya from Hydrovert Energy
In this episode of the Green Business Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Satyajit and Supriya, co-founders of Hydrovert. Hydrovert is building hydrogen fuel cell-based powertrains for scooters. Dr. Satyajit has a PhD in fuel cell technology, and Supriya has expertise in managing operations. Together, they are the perfect team to bring hydrogen-powered scooters to Indian roads.
Introduction
Supriya shares that she and Satyajit have been married for eight years and have a four-year-old son, while their other “child,” Hydrovert, is two years old. It took them six years to decide to start their own business in this field.
Satyajit became exposed to hydrogen during his PhD at the University of Florida in 2006, where he delved deeply into hydrogen fuel cells. Over the past decade, he has also worked extensively on lithium-ion batteries and other next-generation batteries. He thinks that fuel cells have strong advantages in certain applications, such as automotive use requiring long driving ranges and endurance. This realization spurred the development of Hydrovert’s products. However, Satyajit believes that both lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells have their places in future applications, coexisting based on their suitability for specific uses.
How long did it take you to build the prototype?
Satyajit says that the initial proof-of-concept prototype of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered two-wheeler took about two years to develop and was tested over 50 kilometers within NCL Innovation Park to validate performance parameters. This led to the filing of two provisional patents: one for the thermal management of the fuel cell, crucial for its longevity and durability, and another for the safety of the high-pressure hydrogen cylinder, essential for automotive applications. The current focus is on developing an advanced prototype with five times the power and higher payload capacity, capable of carrying two people and climbing slopes, while demonstrating the same performance as the initial prototype.
How can hydrogen fuel cell technology, typically used in larger vehicles, be viable for smaller applications like scooters?
Hydrogen fuel cells offer several inherent advantages over lithium-ion batteries, including a driving range up to four times longer due to their higher energy density, as well as being lightweight and compact with refueling times of three minutes or less. These characteristics make hydrogen fuel cells particularly well-suited for automotive applications that require long distances, such as buses and trucks, which many large automotive companies are currently developing.
Smaller vehicles also benefit from the higher driving range and the compact, lightweight nature of hydrogen fuel cells. Satyajit believes hydrogen fuel cells are just as effective for smaller applications as they are for larger ones. For hydrogen-powered scooters to be competitive, their cost will need to be comparable to that of battery-powered vehicles.
Factors affecting the cost of hydrogen fuel cell technology
Supriya discusses hydrogen fuel cell technology. Numerous studies, including reports from the International Energy Agency and the Department of Energy, have analyzed the raw materials, processing, and assembly of hydrogen fuel cells in detail. These studies indicate that if manufacturing scales to over half a million units per year, the cost of fuel cells could drop to around $50 per kilowatt, making them cost-competitive with current alternatives.
Supriya says, “We agree with these analyses and believe that as hydrogen production becomes more solar-powered and cost-effective, the demand for fuel cells will increase, driving further price reductions.”
Hydrogen ecosystem
The development of hydrogen technology requires a supportive ecosystem. The government is optimistic about hydrogen and supportive through its policies. Many public sector units (PSUs) are exploring green hydrogen production, and major automotive companies are developing and testing hydrogen-powered trucks and buses. Research labs like NCL and CSIR are working on improving fuel cell technologies. Additionally, there is growing interest from investors and the public. These factors together create a positive outlook for hydrogen technology, motivating us to continue our work in this energy domain.
Market interest in hydrogen-based scooters
Satyajit and Supriya say that in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler markets, there is notable interest in hydrogen technology. Companies like TVS have filed patents for hydrogen-based two-wheelers, and a Gujarat-based company is setting up manufacturing facilities for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Larger manufacturers that produce three-wheelers are also exploring hydrogen options. This positive response indicates growing industry interest, and as the market evolves, smaller companies are expected to join, similar to trends seen in the battery-powered vehicle sector.
What about the fueling infrastructure?
Satyajit and Supriya discuss how the advantage of quick refueling, similar to conventional cars, makes hydrogen-powered vehicles appealing to big oil companies like BPCL and IOC, which are exploring hydrogen production.
They aim to utilize existing infrastructure for hydrogen distribution, though technological upgrades such as high-pressure cylinders and dedicated delivery systems will be needed. Repurposing existing refueling stations across the country could facilitate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, leveraging established supply chains for a new energy solution.
Where are you currently in your hydrogen-powered two-wheeler journey?
Supriya and Satyajit say, “Currently, our hydrogen-powered two-wheeler project is supported by two government grants: NIDHI Prayas from DST and the SIS Start-up Seed Fund from the Department of Industry. Additionally, CSR funding from KAMS is aiding in power electronics development. Based at NCL Innovation Park in Pune for the past nine months, all our activities and prototype development are centered here.
Our immediate goals include completing the advanced prototype, conducting on-road testing, and obtaining ARA certification to showcase performance capabilities. Looking ahead, we plan to raise additional funds within six months for rigorous drivetrain testing and further development to prepare for road readiness, a significant upcoming challenge.”
Other applications for drivetrain technology?
Fuel cell technology offers diverse applications beyond two-wheelers and three-wheelers, including marine vessels, where it provides an extended range ideal for tourist applications. Additionally, fuel cells are well-suited for stationary power generation, serving as clean alternatives to diesel generators with silent operation and minimal emissions.
One innovative application under consideration is using fuel cells to power EV charging stations, offering flexibility and scalability by simply increasing the hydrogen tank size. This approach avoids the complexities of upgrading city electricity grids, making it a convenient and environmentally friendly solution.
You can listen to the episode here:
