MIT startup says it can turn diesel trucks into cheaper hydrogen haulers; see it at Disrupt

An MIT startup named LNK Energies has developed a technology to convert heavy-duty diesel trucks into hydrogen haulers. The system aims to lower pollution and reduce operating costs during periods of high fuel prices. The company's approach uses liquid organic hydrogen carriers, which are liquids that absorb and release hydrogen.

While previous reactors for these carriers were the size of a shipping container, LNK says it has shrunk the equipment to the size of a mini-fridge so it can fit on a truck. This onboard extraction eliminates the need for expensive high-pressure tanks. Once released, the hydrogen can power a modified conventional internal combustion engine or a fuel cell, using standard diesel station infrastructure for the liquid carrier.

The startup claims that the total cost of ownership for a Class 8 big rig using its system is 13% cheaper than diesel. LNK expects to undercut diesel at $6.50 per gallon after producing 50 to 100 trucks, without relying on government subsidies. The founders currently have a demonstration reactor operating in a lab that can power a lawnmower engine.

They plan to install a larger version in a commercial truck within 18 months.