The IUV (Interurban Vehicle) study by DLR is a plug-in hybrid with a fuel cell and battery. The car should be able to drive autonomously for up to 1,000 kilometers.
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is also thinking about mobility on the road, we have already reported several times about vehicle projects of the institutes. Depending on the application, the engineers develop vehicles with electric or fuel cell drives.
The Interurban Vehicle (IUV) study combines the energy carrier hydrogen with a battery-electric solution. As a plug-in hybrid, the vehicle is supplied with electricity from the 48 kWh battery. If required, the fuel cell steps in and produces electricity for the electric motors from the hydrogen stored in the tanks. Up to 7.5 kilograms of the gas stored at a pressure of 700 bar can be refueled. Metal hybrid storage uses the pressure difference between the tanks and the fuel cell to support the air conditioning system.
1,000 km range
Together, the electric motors deliver up to 136 kW (185 hp), with which the IUV should be able to accelerate to a top speed of 180 km/h. The fuel cell provides an output of 45 kW. This means that the IUV is well-armed for long-distance journeys; a range of up to 1,000 kilometers is theoretically possible. The vehicle concept also turns out accordingly. The car, which is five meters long and two meters wide, should accommodate five people. You sit opposite each other, autonomous driving functions according to level 4 allow this seat configuration.,
The experience of the DLR in the aerospace industry benefits the IUV in the development of lightweight materials. The body shell weighs only 250 kilograms, the unladen weight of the entire vehicle (without hydrogen) is less than 1.6 tons. For the most part, the body is made of fiber-reinforced plastics, but aluminum structures and sandwich materials with plastic foam are also used, as is balsa wood. The omission of cables should also contribute to lightweight construction. The floor structure of the IUV was designed for the transmission of power and data.,
Conclusion
DLR uses lightweight materials to reduce the weight of a large touring car. As a plug-in hybrid with battery and fuel cell, the IUV should achieve a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. Series production plans are not pursued.
