Allison Transmission opens hydrogen fuel cell and CNG vehicle testing facility in Indianapolis

Allison Transmission, which designs and manufactures conventional, electric hybrid and fully electric vehicle propulsion solutions, has announced the availability of hydrogen fuel cell and compressed natural gas (CNG) testing at its Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center in Indianapolis.

“Manufacturers of electric vehicles, including battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and electric hybrid systems are recognising the value of reducing product development and validation timelines by utilising Allison’s Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center to assess their vehicles in a controlled thermal environment capable of simulating a broad range of duty cycles,” said David Proctor, General Manager Allison Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center. “We are excited to expand the facility’s capabilities to support our OEM partners as they develop and optimise alternative fuel offerings intended to reduce emissions.”

The company says it has completed the installation of two phases of hydrogen capabilities. Phase one provides the ability to safely detect and manage hydrogen gas or flames in the test cell. This same system is also capable of detection and management of CNG power plants. Phase two includes a low pressure, constant supply of hydrogen directly fed into the vehicle’s fuel cell, providing extended test runs while minimising downtime for re-fueling.