Hydrogen-powered Land Rover Defender prototype in the works

In a recent press release, British automotive company Jaguar Land Rover announced its plans to develop a hydrogen-powered prototype based on the Land Rover Defender.

Development of the brand’s fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is anchored in Jaguar Land Rover’s “Reimagine” strategy which involves its objective to achieve zero tailpipe emissions by 2036, and net-zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products, and operations by 2039.

The development of the hydrogen-powered Defender will be carried out through the company’s advanced engineering project, known as Project Zeus, an initiative that’s part-funded by the government-backed Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).

Jaguar Land Rover will work with Delta Motorsport, AVL, Marelli Automotive Systems and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) to research, develop and create the prototype FCEV.

“We know hydrogen has a role to play in the future powertrain mix across the whole transport industry, and alongside battery electric vehicles, it offers another zero tailpipe emission solution for the specific capabilities and requirements of Jaguar Land Rover’s world-class line-up of vehicles. The work done alongside our partners in Project Zeus will help us on our journey to become a net-zero carbon business by 2039, as we prepare for the next generation of zero tailpipe emissions vehicles,” says Jaguar Land Rover Head of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Ralph Clague.

Like Jaguar Land Rover, many companies are now exploring the benefits of using hydrogen as a power source.

Hyundai recently announced its plans to introduce a hydrogen-powered fuel truck in the global market while Toyota looks to utilize hydrogen to power Woven City, the Japanese automaker’s prototype town in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

The Defender-based FCEV will start its testing phase towards the end of the year in the UK according to Jaguar Land Rover.

Photos from Jaguar Land Rover

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