NamX is choosing hydrogen combustion engines over fuel cells

The Paris-based H2 car startup has taken a different direction in the development of the vehicle.

NamX, a startup that had previously been focused on fuel cell cars, has dropped that focus in favor of hydrogen combustion engines.

This is taking the Paris-based company in a sharp new direction from where it was headed for 18 months.

For the last year and a half, NamX has been placing the spotlight on its HUV model, which was an electric vehicle powered by an H2 fuel cell. That said, the company has stated that it has made a “strategic move” toward V8 hydrogen combustion engines for its first vehicle, instead of relying on a fuel cell.

https://youtu.be/erIHa59opes?si=xHcT4u9tZp5Dq2Vf

According to the company, it decided to move ahead with the internal combustion technology because choosing fuel cells would mean that they would need to “rely on rare earth metals,” whereas combustion engines are “a proven and time-tested technology that has benefited from decades of investment and continuous enhancements.” This decision was made despite the fact that there have yet to be any road vehicles on the market that are using this technology.

Hydrogen combustion engines could allow NamX to avoid higher and unpredictable production costs.

“Internal Combustion Engines ensure greater stability and predictability when it comes to production costs, shielding the company and its customers from the price fluctuations associated with the supply of rare minerals,” read a statement released by the company about the choice to switch to hydrogen combustion engines.

“Hydrogen combustion engines also boast higher robustness and versatility compared to fuel cells, as they eliminate the need for high-purity H2, which entails regular replacement of air and hydrogen filters and can accommodate lower-quality, cheaper hydrogen.”

The issue of filters

Fuel cell vehicles require filters to ensure that the units remain clean. Fuel cells are easily damaged by particulates. The recommendation for the Toyota Mirai fuel cell passenger cars are that the ion filters should be replaced every 56,000 kilometers (35,000 miles).

“The decision to opt for a conventional engine allows NAMX to leverage the existing and wide-ranging automotive repair & maintenance network, with easy and cheap access to spare parts. This ensures a longer and more cost-effective lifecycle for NAMX vehicles compared to its electric counterparts. Consequently, the life-time value of the HUV is considerably expanded for each stakeholder involved,” added the company’s statement.

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