Tokyo, Japan (March 18, 2021) — W. L. Gore & Associates solemnly announced that GORE-SELECT proton exchange membrane technology has won Toyota`s prestigious Engineering Technology Award. Toyota launched a new generation of advanced environmentally friendly fuel cell vehicles (FCEV) in December 2020-the 2021 MIRAI. With its innovative technology, the GORE-SELECT proton exchange membrane helped the new generation of MIRAI achieve outstanding performance and value. Honor.
Improved power and fuel efficiency
In 2014, Toyota launched the first generation of MIRAI, which revolutionized the FCEV industry. The GORE-SELECT proton exchange membrane was already the core material of its fuel cell stack in the first generation of MIRAI. Today, the enhanced GORE-SELECT proton exchange membrane has helped the second-generation MIRAI achieve better performance: According to Toyota reports, the new-generation MIRAI has a maximum fuel cell output of 128 kilowatts (174 horsepower) and a fuel efficiency of 152 kilometers. /Kg hydrogen fuel (based on WLTP, global light vehicle test cycle measurement). This means that the cruising range can be as high as 850 kilometers (reference value) each time it is filled with hydrogen.
Help build a fuel cell stack with compact structure and excellent performance
The innovative breakthrough of GORE-SELECT proton exchange membrane technology is the key to improving the performance of the new generation of MIRAI. The thickness of the new proton exchange membrane is reduced by 30%, which greatly reduces the proton conduction resistance, reduces the ohmic polarization, and improves the water vapor conductivity, which makes the operating performance and fuel efficiency of the stack higher. At the same time, the new strengthening layer technology also significantly enhances the mechanical durability of the membrane.
For Toyota, the new GORE-SELECT proton exchange membrane can make the new generation of MIRAI's fuel cell stack smaller, better performance, durable, and lower system cost.
Shinichi Nishimura, a global product expert on Gore's fuel cell technology, said: "After years of concentrated research on core technologies, Gore has developed the GORE-SELECT proton exchange membrane with a unique strengthening layer, and iteratively improves it. The latest development of this technology reflects In the new generation of MIRAI vehicles, the size of the fuel cell stack can be further reduced, which greatly reduces costs while improving performance.
"We are very pleased to continue to promote the advancement of this technology with partners like Toyota, and we are honored to receive Toyota's "Engineering Technology Award"."
Sincerely cooperate and make progress together
Toyota and Gore are both recognized pioneers in the field of fuel cell technology. Gore has accumulated decades of professional experience in the field of proton exchange membrane technology and is an ideal partner for outstanding quality: Gore not only produced the first commercial membrane electrode assembly (MEA), but has been committed to improving it since 1994. Performance of proton exchange membranes for fuel cell vehicles. In addition, GORE-SELECT proton exchange membrane also complies with EU REACH regulations.
Gore maintains good cooperative relations with many OEMs and suppliers at all levels around the world. Thanks to sales, R&D, and manufacturing resources all over the world, Gore can ensure a stable supply of high-quality, high-performance products to customers.