KEYTECH4EV – Development and Demonstration of Key Technologies for Low-cost Electric Vehicle Platforms

The project KEYTECH4EV has the overall objective to realize a cost optimized and CO2 free powertrain based on fuel cell and battery technology. These powertrain systems are already developed within the industry, but towards pure fuel cell electrical vehicles (big fuel cell, very small battery, e.g. Toyota Mirai) or towards pure electrical vehicles (big battery, e.g. Tesla).

The innovative approach of the KEYTECH4EV project, is the combination of both technologies into a hybridized powertrain system benefitting from all possible synergies.

Pre-studies show, that based on this conceptual approach the powertrain cost can be reduced by 15% compared to pure fuel cell or even up to 45% to pure battery solutions and still meeting all specifications (efficiency, drivability, etc.). Additionally major disadvantages of pure electrical vehicles, like short range and long recharge times, can be completely avoided.

The project KEYTECH4EV is characterized by a strong horizontally and vertically integration and consists of an:

• industrial engineering provider (AVL),
• component and subsystem manufacturers (Hörbiger, Magna, ElringKlinger),
• research institutes (TU Graz, TU Wien, HyCentA)
• and the small and medium enterprise IESTA.

The project starts centrally with a specification definition on all system levels and furthermore spreads out to parallel key technology development paths. Subsequently all key technologies will be integrated and validated on system and vehicle level.

The main objective of this project is the development of key technologies for the integration and build-up of a hybridized fuel cell / battery demonstration vehicle. The vehicle should reach the following targets:

• Energy efficiency compared to 2.5 L gasoline (equivalent) per 100km
• Reduction of powertrain cost by 15%
• Zero CO₂
• Reduction of the fuel cell degradation rate by 50%
• Range above 500km
• Drivability targets like comparable series type vehicles

A further central motivation for this project is the creation of a national/European value chain for fuel cell technology.

The innovation and the market oriented targets of this project are highlighted by the participation of 5 major global passenger car manufacturers as associated partners.