Alset GmbH
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Engineering, Technology, Automotive |
| Headquarters | Graz , Austria |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Hybrid Hydrogen internal combustion engine, hydrogen system integration, gas storage solutions, software development |
Alset Global GmbH is an engineering and technology firm headquartered in Graz, Austria, specializing in hydrogen-powered clean mobility solutions. The company has created a Hybrid Hydrogen internal combustion engine capable of running on pure petrol, pure hydrogen, or a blend of both. This innovation provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional petrol engines while meeting strict emission standards. Additionally, Alset Global's expertise extends to hydrogen system integration, gas storage solutions, and software development.
Alset’s Hybrid Hydrogen technology gained prominence when featured in an Aston Martin Rapide S during the Nürburgring 24-Hour race in Germany. It was the first hydrogen-fueled vehicle to participate in a 24-hour endurance race emitting zero emissions.
Hybrid Hydrogen
Recognizing hydrogen's renewable qualities and low environmental footprint, Alset Global advocates for its role in advancing sustainable transportation. As automotive manufacturers face increasingly stringent emission regulations prompted by climate change, hydrogen-based innovations are becoming essential. Alset’s Hybrid Hydrogen system converts traditional internal combustion engines into hybrid hydrogen units, enabling zero-emission operation through renewable energy use.
This solution is both economically viable and straightforward to implement. Following eight years of research and development—including rigorous testing at the Nürburgring event—Alset has proven that integrating hydrogen technologies into existing vehicles is feasible and efficient.
Hybrid Hydrogen System
The Hybrid Hydrogen system works in tandem with a conventional petrol injection mechanism. Designed by Alset Global for minimal vehicle modification, it features software that controls the ECU to switch smoothly between petrol and hydrogen fuels. This ensures optimal utilization of hydrogen while maintaining petrol availability as a backup. The dual-fuel strategy mitigates current challenges posed by limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure, offering drivers reassurance on longer journeys through guaranteed petrol support.
Unique Character
The principal strength of the Hydrogen Hybrid system lies in its adaptability to alternate between petrol and hydrogen fuel depending on driving demands. Unlike other hydrogen internal combustion approaches, it can dynamically toggle fuel sources—a capability developed over eight years of dedicated R&D. Alset Global holds patents safeguarding this proprietary technology, with technical details kept confidential.
Idea Behind the Technology
This technology was conceived to address gaps within the hydrogen mobility sector, where fuel cell solutions remain expensive and infrastructure sparse. Since fuel cell vehicles depend solely on hydrogen and cannot utilize existing internal combustion platforms—which still constitute 99.9% of vehicles globally—the hybrid system allows conventional cars to tap into emerging hydrogen networks. This pragmatic approach facilitates the automotive industry's shift toward zero-emission technologies without necessitating immediate widespread infrastructure overhaul.
Driving Experience
During a demonstration drive conducted in Graz, Alset Global’s Hydrogen Hybrid technology received feedback indicating that operating on a hydrogen-petrol blend felt comparable to driving on petrol alone. Because it relies on the traditional internal combustion process, both engine sound and driving dynamics closely resemble those of petrol engines, eliminating the need for synthetic engine noise often required by other alternative fuel technologies.
Driving Safety
Alset Global maintains that its Hydrogen Hybrid technology offers safety comparable to conventional petrol engines. The hydrogen storage tanks, constructed from ultra-high-strength fibers, comply with rigorous safety criteria, as proven during the challenging Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race. Due to hydrogen's rapid diffusion properties, any leakage quickly disperses into the atmosphere, minimizing hazards. Furthermore, hydrogen combustion generates approximately 7% less heat than gasoline and emits only a tenth of the radiant heat produced by hydrocarbon fires, contributing to enhanced safety measures.
Aston Martin Rapide S
In collaboration with Alset Global, Aston Martin created a Rapide S four-door vehicle that marked the first hydrogen-powered car to compete in the 41st ADAC Zurich 24-hour Nürburgring race. The car retained its original petrol internal combustion engine, adapted to operate on both hydrogen and gasoline fuels. It produced and accelerated from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds while completing 22 km laps without releasing .
This Rapide S was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 6-litre V12 engine generating and capable of reaching a maximum velocity of , competing within the experimental E1-XP2 category.
Throughout the 24-hour event, the hydrogen-fueled Rapide S maintained an average speed of and secured 113th place. Although initial estimates suggested hydrogen refueling stops would require 45 seconds, engineering improvements shortened this interval to 30 seconds, highlighting operational advancements.
Future of Alset
Alset Global is concentrating its efforts on three primary sectors: SUVs and luxury automobiles, motorsports, and commercial transport. Its technology effectively lowers emissions in SUVs and premium vehicles without sacrificing performance quality, preserving both engine acoustics and torque delivery. The company’s involvement in motorsports commenced with Aston Martin's Rapide S project. Given that commercial vehicles are major contributors to emissions, Alset sees significant expansion potential for its technology within this segment.
London Hydrogen Project
Initiated in 2002 with an investment exceeding £50 million, the London Hydrogen Project aims to advance hydrogen-powered transportation through fleets of taxis, buses, scooters, refueling infrastructure, and various other initiatives fostering hydrogen mobility.
Award
At the 2013 Professional Motorsport World Expo held in Cologne, Germany, Alset Global was honored with the Powertrain of the Year Award. This accolade recognized its groundbreaking powertrain system implemented in Aston Martin's Rapide S, capable of operating on both hydrogen and petrol combustion engines. The technology was prominently demonstrated during the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race.