VW Tests the Bora HY.POWER Fuel Cell and SunFuel Powered Jetta

German carmaker Volkswagen recently announced it has successfully completed testing of its new Bora HY.POWER fuel cell vehicle, as well of Jetta Turbo Direct Injection diesel using a super-clean synthetic diesel called SunFuel. Both cars have been driven through the Simplon Pass that connects Switzerland and Italy to see how they perform at temperatures below freezing point.

SunFuel, powering the 2011 Jetta, is a non-traditional low-sulfur fuel that can be made from renewable sources such as plants, waste products and other raw materials.

On the other hand, the Bora HY.POWER prototype obtains its energy from on-board hydrogen to create a hydrogen fuel cell that discharges only water vapor to the atmosphere when it is in operation, continuing its ability to deliver a plentiful supply of energy to the electric motor rated at 75 kW (102 bhp).

The Bora HY.POWER incorporates two significant technical innovations. One is the new membrane used in the fuel cell, while the other involves the high performance “supercap” capacitors. This was the first opportunity for this new hydrogen fuel cell driveline, which combines lower cost with greater power output, to demonstrate its capabilities in practice.

The key to the progress that has been made in both important areas is the membrane located between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell. Inside the cell, hydrogen and oxygen react together through this thin membrane, with water as the by-product. This reaction creates energy. In other words, the fuel cell is able to convert chemical energy in the form of an oxidation process directly into electrical energy.