Aiways in fuel cell development partnership

Shanghai-based mobility solutions provider Aiways has announced a strategic technical partnership with Blue World Technologies, a developer of high-temperature methanol fuel cell systems for automotive applications.

based in Aalborg, Denmark, and with local facilities in Shanghai in development, Blue World Technologies designs and manufactures methanol fuel cell components and systems. The methanol fuel cell, which was first adapted for the electric-powered Gumpert Aiways Nathalie super sports car, offers a number of key benefits. Principal among these is a significant extension in battery range, to up to 1,000km (621 miles) depending on driving conditions.

Aiways’s primary vision is to create innovative solutions for future mobility with a focus on connected technology, user convenience and comfort, safety, affordability and sustainability. The development of this high-temperature methanol fuel cell is aimed at informing the development of next-generation powertrains in the automotive industry, with a particular focus on integration within mass production battery electric cars.

Alexander Klose, executive vice president of overseas operations at Aiways, said, “Our move to forge closer ties with Blue World Technologies is a demonstration of our brand’s ambition to drive the development of innovative mobility solutions. The collaboration and engineering innovations already realized on the Gumpert Aiways Nathalie will convince critics that battery electric passenger cars can compete against conventional powered cars in terms of range. We have never been closer to overcoming this prejudice than now.”

Blue World Technologies CEO Anders Korsgaard added, “Our cooperation with Aiways Group will be followed by a major step to extend the range of battery-electric passenger cars. Our fuel cell runs with 100% liquid methanol, which has zero harmful emissions and is available worldwide through existing infrastructure.

“When adding our methanol fuel cell system to a vehicle, you can substitute the weight of the battery by a similar amount. Therefore, the battery-electric car will not become heavier, but its range will extend significantly.”

Aiways is set to make its official European debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 5, with its first production model, the all-electric U5 SUV. The U5 aims to offer customers affordable, intelligent and connected zero emissions personal transportation and will feature on the brand’s show stand alongside the electric-powered Gumpert Aiways Nathalie super sports car with its innovative methanol fuel cell powertrain.