Hyliion Holdings Corp. unveiled its Hypertruck Karno demonstration vehicle at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo (ACT) in Anaheim, California, on May 2. The featured semi-truck employs the Karno electric range extender powertrain that can be refueled with both hydrogen and natural gas.
“At Hyliion, we are delivering practical solutions that cater to fleets’ current needs while continually developing cutting-edge products that seize the opportunities of tomorrow,” commented Thomas Healy, founder and CEO of Hyliion. “While our focus remains on the 2023 production launch of the Hypertruck ERX, a renewable natural gas electric range extender powertrain, we are also developing the Hypertruck Karno as part of our transition to offer fleets fuel flexibility.”
The company says the Karno generator is expected to show an improvement in fuel efficiency and a lower emissions profile versus conventional generators. It will also be capable of operating on over 20 different fuels including hydrogen, natural gas, propane, ammonia and conventional fuels, Hyliion says.
Hyliion says it acquired the Karno generator technology from GE Additive last August to integrate the generator into its powertrain platform and to be used for distributed grid stationary power applications. The Karno technology is a linear motor heat generator that leverages 3D metal-printed components and proprietary flameless oxidation technology to produce clean electricity, the company adds.
Both the Hypertruck ERX system and Hypertruck Karno leverage Hyliion’s electric powertrain but offer distinct onboard power generation technologies, Hyliion says. The exhibited Hypertruck Karno vehicle is intended for product demonstration at ACT Expo and will be subsequently used for continued development, testing and validation, Hyliion adds.
