DLR develops fuel cell pack for cargo e-bikes

The Fuel Cell Power Pack (FCPP) developed by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is a novel system specifically design for electric cargo bikes. It has twice the range and durability of comparable battery-electric pedelec systems, the researchers say.

The Fuel Cell Power Pack (FCPP) is a development for now and DLR is planning to form a technology spin off to commercialise the technology.

The choice of cargo e-bikes is to position the system as a competitor to intracity logistics and to potentially replace cars and vans on the last mile.

The system works like a hybrid as it combines a fuel cell with a small Li-ion battery. The FCPP charges the battery during acceleration or peak demand and bears 300 – 500 Watt.

Attention has been paid to operation in freezing temperatures with a module that pre-heats the FCPP.

The system is modular and can be applied to various cargo bikes.