UKM Researchers Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

Two researchers from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) developed hydrogen hybrid vehicles that run on hydrogen fuel cells and emit zero carbon emissions.

They are Professor Ir. Dr. Siti Kartom Kamarudin and Associate Professor Dr Mohd Shahbudin Mastar @ Masdar from the UKM Fuel Cell Institute, who led the research and development of the UKM FCH2HC, a mini version of a hybrid SUV, and the UKM-FCH2B, a buggy.

The hydrogen fuel cell vehicles were developed in collaboration with industry partners through the modification of electric vehicles.

According to Siti Kartom, the UKM-FCH2B is unique as the battery has been replaced with a fuel cell system as an electrical power source to improve the buggy's operational efficiency, as well as a 3000 W stationary power generator for electrical appliances.

"Meanwhile, the UKM-FCH2HC is a hybrid vehicle that combines a fuel cell and a battery in a 0.5 ratio, with each power source capable of providing a capacity of up to 10 kW, allowing the vehicle to travel further.

"We began this project about fifteen years ago with fundamental research to develop high-quality catalysts and membranes. Only in the last three years have we been able to bring together all of the fundamental components needed to develop the vehicle's system. As both the SUV and buggy will be used on campus, the speed is limited to 60 kilometres per hour. My team and I are looking forward to working on a second generation of the vehicles with increased capacity," she said.

Mohd Shabuddin added that the vehicles generate electricity via a hydrogen-powered fuel cell rather than relying solely on a battery.

"The quick charging time of a cell fuel hydrogen car is a significant advantage. Fully electric vehicles require seven to eight hours to charge, depending on the charging station and battery capacity. Hydrogen fuel cell cars, on the other hand, offer faster refuelling times that can take less than three minutes depending on the pressure," he said.