Michelin, working in partnership with the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) developed a concept hydrogen fuel-cell car, the Michelin HY-LIGHT, unveiled at the Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai.

The HY-LIGHT features twin electric motors mounted in the front wheels and an active electric suspension, combined with supercapacitors for storage of the electricity generated by braking. The electricity from these capacitors can boost the output of the motors from 30 kW (41 hp) to 45 kW (60 hp) for a short time.

PSI developed the fuel cell, which operates at an efficiency level of about 60%. Michelin created the whole power train, the electric motors and the chassis management system, based on an active electric suspension: Michelin’s Active Wheel, introduced a few weeks ago in Paris.

With the Michelin Active Wheel there is no longer any separate link between the vehicle’s powerplant and the wheels. This eliminates the need for a number of subassemblies, such as the transmission, clutch, differential, anti-roll bar, vertical drive shaft and universal joints. Among the benefits of the Michelin Active Wheel system are lower weight and simpler transmission of movement.

Hydrogen and oxygen are stored in tanks fitted into the structure of the vehicle and well protected against shocks; no details on the manufacturer or the storage capacity or pressure.

The HY-LIGHT carries up to four passengers while only weighing 850 kilograms (1,874 pounds). Top speed is 130 km/h (80.8 mph), acceleration is 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 12 seconds and range is around 400 kilometers (249 miles) (all aided by the low weight of the vehicle).

For their concept scenario, Michelin and PSI specified hydrogen production through electrolysis from electricity generated by solar panels, and had the Electrical Power Company of Fribourg design and build a prototype fueling installation.