Germany – German multinational Continental AG headquartered in Hanover, has launched a new hose made from special synthetic rubber (called EPDM) that stops hydrogen ions from leaking in hydrogen-powered trucks and buses. Ions leaking into the cooling system can lead to damage, breakdown and safety issues. This is important because when ions enter the system, they can damage sensitive parts like the fuel cell, making the vehicle less efficient and more likely to break down. This means hydrogen vehicles can now run better, safer, and for longer periods. Furthermore, hydrogen is a very light and tricky gas to work with, it can easily escape from traditional hoses. To solve this, Continental added a special barrier layer inside the hose that keeps the hydrogen inside, reducing fuel loss and lowering the risk of leaks.

This innovation comes from Continental’s new division, Original Equipment Solutions (OESL), which combines experience from gas-powered engine systems with electric and hydrogen vehicles. The team is helping vehicle manufacturers make the shift to cleaner energy without sacrificing performance or safety.