Ceres, Weichai Power develop first range-extender bus prototype

摘要

UK-based Ceres Power and Weichai Power, one of the leading automobile and equipment manufacturing companies in China, have completed the development of a first prototype solid oxide fuel cell range-extender for Chinese electric buses. Following a successful technology transfer and the licensing of system-level technology from Ceres to Weichai Power [FCB, January 2019, p11], the combined team has produced a first prototype 30 kW SteelCell intermediate temperature SOFC range-extender system, which met the required technical performance criteria, for demonstration in an electric city bus utilising widely available compressed natural gas (CNG). This marks the completion of the initial Joint Development Agreement between Ceres and Weichai, the first step in the collaboration first announced in May 2018 [June 2018, p10], and cements a strong working relationship between the two companies.