JLR Working On Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prototype Based On The Defender

Jaguar Land Rover is working on a new prototype based on the Defender that will be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.  

Research is being carried out on the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) under Project Zeus. The Defender-based FCEV will be tested later this year for fuel efficiency and off-road capabilities, all while offering zero tailpipe emissions. The only by-product of a hydrogen fuel cell is water. 

Project Zeus is JLR’s advanced engineering project in collaboration with Delta Motorsport, AVL, Marelli Automotive Systems, and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre. The project is partially funded by a British government-backed organisation, the Advanced Propulsion Centre. 

Commenting on their plans, Ralph Clague, Head of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells for Jaguar Land Rover, said, “We know hydrogen has a role to play in the future powertrain mix across the whole transport industry, and alongside battery electric vehicles, it offers another zero tailpipe emission solution for the specific capabilities and requirements of Jaguar Land Rover’s world-class lineup of vehicles. The work done alongside our partners in Project Zeus will help us on our journey to become a net zero carbon business by 2039, as we prepare for the next generation of zero tailpipe emissions vehicles.”

Jaguar Land Rover aims to achieve zero tailpipe emissions by 2036. By 2039, it’s looking at zero carbon emissions from its supply chain, products as well as operations.