Land Rover Defender to run on hydrogen

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has confirmed plans to develop a hydrogen fuel-cell version of the Land Rover Defender, with prototype vehicle testing to get underway this year.

Known as Project Zeus, the hydrogen fuel-cell development is part of JLR’s broader plan to produce strictly zero-emissions vehicles by 2036.

The project has been partially funded by the UK government-backed Advanced Propulsion Centre and includes R&D with the likes of Delta Motorsport, Marelli and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC).

JLR says fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are complementary to electric cars on the journey to net zero vehicle emissions.

It is hoped that keying into the Land Rover Defender specifically will allow JLR to understand more about FCEV refuelling, towing and off-road ability.

“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,” said Ralph Clague, JLR’s head of hydrogen and fuel cells.

“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.”

JLR believes fuel-cell tech is promising for off-road vehicles such as the Defender.

“They provide high energy density and rapid refuelling, and minimal loss of range in low temperatures, making the technology ideal for larger, longer-range vehicles, or those operated in hot or cold environments,” the company said.

Toyota is also considering an FCEV version of its just-unveiled Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.