Zero Emission Hydrogen Combustion
HyICE™ is ULEMCo’s advanced hydrogen combustion hybrid powertrain solution, delivering true zero-carbon, ultra-low emission performance for specialist vehicles and equipment.
Designed for both upcycling and repowering applications, HyICE™ uses a hydrogen internal combustion engine combined with an electric drivetrain to provide a practical, efficient, and cost-effective route to zero-emission mobility. It enables fleet operators to transition to hydrogen while leveraging familiar, proven combustion technology.
How does the technology work and what system is included?
The HyICE™ system is based on a series or parallel hybrid hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2 ICE) powertrain, integrated into conventional vehicle chassis and systems. By applying ULEMCo’s extensive expertise in hydrogen combustion, the engine is designed to run efficiently on hydrogen while eliminating harmful air quality emissions such as NOx and particulates.
Depending on the application, the zero-carbon emission drivetrain is fitted alongside 350bar on board hydrogen storage solution providing robust performance for demanding vehicle operations. Advanced engine management, including lean-burn control and optimised air-fuel mixtures, ensures that the engine delivers both high efficiency and clean combustion, and overall, the powertrain is optimised for on board space, weight, range and cost. The system is designed to be scalable and adaptable for a wide range of specialist vehicles and equipment.
What expertise is involved?
ULEMCo provides full technical support and project delivery for HyICE™ integration, including:
- Assessment of vehicle architecture and operational requirements
- Removal of the diesel engine, fuel tanks and the emission control components.
- Engineering design packaging exercise to select the correct mix of modularised drivetrain, battery and hydrogen on storage components “fit for purpose”
- Overall vehicle optimisation at both powertrain and vehicle level to meet application use needs for efficiency and performance
- Installation and commissioning of the repower solution
- Advice on hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and operational planning
- Full safety support, technical guidance, and driver/operator training
- ULEMCo integrates patented leak detection and proven hydrogen safety measures, including onboard storage solutions, into all vehicle conversion and development projects.
What are the benefits?
HyICE™ enables fleet operators to achieve zero-carbon, ultra-low emission operation using familiar combustion engine technology’ alongside optimised electric solutions for the “best of both worlds” solution for fleetwide deployment of zero-carbon solutions. Using combustion technology and minimising the need for the complexity of new drivetrains or costly vehicle replacements, HyICE™ offers a faster, more affordable pathway to decarbonisation
Utilising combustion technology at the heart of the solution, we avoid the need for a full vehicle system strip out. The powertrain is designed to match the duty cycle requirements of the removed diesel engine and to work with the rest of vehicles existing systems – thereby extending the life of the asset and retaining otherwise useful equipment or vehicles.
With no carbon emissions and the elimination of NOx and particulates, the system delivers significant air quality improvements alongside reliable, high-performance operation.
By repowering existing vehicles and using proven technology, HyICE™ provides a practical, scalable solution to meet sustainability goals today.
