Lynx HySnow Is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Snowmobile by BRP-Rotax

BRP-Rotax, the company behind the development of the innovative 850 E-TEC engine, is calling this concept Lynx HySnow—a snowmobile powered by a hydrogen fuel cell drive. The concept prototype is based on a Lynx 69 Ranger Alpine, which has been used for many years in Austrian skiing areas.

The Lynx HySnow has been fitted with a hydrogen fuel that powers an electric powertrain via a “cold combustion” process, which provides electric energy. The hydrogen cell allows for better range and faster acceleration than a conventional electric drive. The Lynx HySnow is reported as operating almost silently regardless of temperature fluctuations.

The concept snowmobile is intended for use in areas like the Hindterstoder ski resort, where filling stations can be made easily accessible.

Of course, this technology is likely far removed—if indeed there is any possibility at all—from use in applications such as backcountry riding. However, the investment of over four and a half years of research and development would not have been undertaken if BRP-Rotax didn’t feel that this technology could have widespread implementation at some point as a method of sustainable over-snow transportation.

See the release from BRP-Rotax below.

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• Lynx HySnow – Rotax’ first snowmobile with hydrogen fuel cell drive
• Decarbonizing winter tourism: Hydrogen ecosystem and filling station constructed in the Hinterstoder ski area
• HyTech.HySnow. Event: Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler and other distinguished guests discuss the future of mobility
• Leading Austrian company Rotax celebrates 100 years of success and innovation leadership

For 100 years now, innovation and technological progress have been an integral part of the success story for BRP-Rotax, the leading manufacturer of premium powersports drive units. This leading Austrian company is launching its centennial year in 2020 by taking an important step towards the future by presenting its latest beacon project: the Lynx HySnow, Rotax’ first zero-emission snowmobile, with an electric hydrogen cell powertrain. Its introduction at the FIS Ski World Cup 2020 in Hinterstoder will include distinguished guests from the worlds of business, science and politics to discuss the key issues of mobility and decarbonization of winter tourism.

The Hydrogen Revolution 2020: The Lynx HySnow

“2020 is a very special year for us. We’re not only celebrating 100 years of innovation and leadership in engine development and manufacture, we’re also starting a real hydrogen revolution for the new decade. Using this renewable source of energy means we are ushering in a new age for Rotax, and expanding our potential for the future,” explains Wolfgang Rapberger, GM BRP-Rotax / Representative of the Management Board.

After extensive research and development, Rotax is now presenting a concept vehicle for its first zero emission snowmobile. The new Lynx HySnow is based on the Lynx 69 Ranger Alpine, a snowmobile that has proven its worth in Austrian skiing areas for many years. The vehicle has been completely refitted and given a high-quality electric powertrain complete with a hydrogen fuel cell. In linking e-mobility and hydrogen, the Lynx HySnow is not only a flagship project for sustainability, it also has many other benefits. Its innovative powertrain system means the vehicle runs almost silently, regardless of temperature fluctuations, and is able to operate over a greater range and achieve faster acceleration than conventional electric drives. The Lynx HySnow is initially intended for use in the winter tourism sector.

“We have invested over four and a half years of intensive research and development in this flagship project. The Lynx HySnow is a technological masterpiece and a key milestone for our sustainable powertrain systems. As an integral part of a real hydrogen ecosystem, the example of Hinterstoder also demonstrates how we and our partners are successfully driving forward the decarbonization of winter tourism,” says Nigel Foxhall, Director Advanced Engineering at BRP-Rotax.

Hydrogen Ecosystem Constructed in Hinterstoder

Together with hydrogen experts HyCentA Research GmbH and other project partners, in addition to developing the Lynx HySnow, Rotax has constructed an integrated hydrogen ecosystem and filling station in Hinterstoder. Hydrogen is an innovative energy source and works in conjunction with a fuel cell to provide electrical energy. The Lynx HySnow is filled under high pressure, with the hydrogen being stored in its gaseous form. It then comes into contact with oxygen in the fuel cell, releasing electrical energy. This “cold combustion” only produces water, and does not create any pollutants.

“Green hydrogen means that we also generate electricity for the electrolysis needed to produce hydrogen from photovoltaic or other similar systems,” explains Dr. Alexander Trattner, CEO and Scientific Director of HyCentA Research GmbH.

“And we use sustainably produced hydrogen for the ecosystem in Hinterstoder and the HySnow. We firmly believe that this and other kinds of renewable energy represent the future of mobility. So we are all the happier that we have been able to collaborate with Rotax on this exciting and successful project.”

Distinguished Speakers at Hytech. Hysnow.

The Lynx HySnow was unveiled for the first time on Thursday at Rotax’ HySnow. HyTech event to mark the start of the FIS Ski World Cup 2020 weekend in Hinterstoder. In front of an audience of distinguished guests from the worlds of business, science, sport and politics, Dr. Henrietta Egerth-Stadlhuber, CEO of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) and Theresia Vogel, CEO of the Climate and Energy Fund, discussed the key issues for the future of mobility. After the fascinating panel discussion, guests had an opportunity to take a picture of the Lynx HySnow at the product presentation on the final downhill of the World Cup course.

The Lynx HySnow project was undertaken in cooperation with the Climate and Energy Fund, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), HyCentA Research GmbH, Fronius Austria, the Graz University of Technology, the Hinterstoder and Wurzeralm ski area, ElringKlinger AG and ECuSol GmbH.

100 Years of Rotax – 100 Years of Innovation Leadership

The last 100 years for this leading Austrian company have been characterized by success after success and the drive to get things done, and by no means is it finished innovating. The 1,400 Rotax employees at its Gunskirchen site are continually working to develop and produce sustainable new powertrain systems. Thanks to massive investment in new technologies, a high degree of agility, an integrated management system (BRPMS) and extensive change processes in relation to staffing, over the last few years the company has ensured, step by step, that it is ready for the future. 

“We are full of pride as we look back on the last 100 years of our company history. But we are not resting on our laurels: we are continuing to work towards an even better future. In our business above all, we know that although it’s important to keep your eye on the rearview mirror, you should never lose sight of your goal,” says Wolfgang Rapberger, summarizing the Rotax philosophy.

“State-of-the-art technology, outstanding agility, and highly trained staff enable us to be even more confident as we rise to the many challenges of the future. So we’re looking forward to the next 100 years.”

About BRP-Rotax

100 years ago we redefined mobility with the Rotax freewheel bicycle hub. Today, we specialize in the development and production of innovative drive systems for power sports products and live out our founding vision of continually reinventing mobility. 100 years of BRP-Rotax include 50 years of success within our parent company, BRP. During this time we have developed 350 engine models and seen our nine millionth engine come off the production line. Our site in Gunskirchen places us at the the heart of technology and automotive engineering in Europe. As a subsidiary of BRP Inc., at Gunskirchen we develop and produce highly innovative and sustainable powertrain systems for the ultimate driving experience and power all BRP’s vehicles. Our passion for progress and our innovative spirit means we are forging new paths, opening up new experiences and awakening new emotions on snow, in water, off-road, on-road and in the air. We are the powertrain of the future – just as we have been for the last 100 years. www.rotax.com

About BRP

We are a global leader in the world of powersports vehicles, propulsion systems and boats built on over 75 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. Our portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive products includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am on- and off-road vehicles, Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex, Stacer and Savage boats, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. We complete our lines of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparels to fully enhance the riding experience. With annual sales of CA$5.2 billion from over 120 countries, our global workforce is made up of more than 13,000 driven, resourceful people. www.brp.com

Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Can-Am, Rotax, Evinrude, Manitou, Alumacraft, Quintrex, Stacer, Savage and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.