Hydrogen Vehicles: Subaru Files Crash-Safety Patent to Protect Tank and Drive Unit

Subaru Corporation in Japan has recently filed for a patent that tackles crash safety in hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. The innovative design is intended to direct the drive unit upwards while pushing the hydrogen tank downwards during a severe crash, which aims to minimize the chances of ruptures and leaks. This move highlights Subaru's ongoing research and development in hydrogen vehicles even as the spotlight shines heavily on battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).

Patent Concept

Published in late August, Subaru's patent application introduces a unique passive crash-safety design that features intentional "deformation zones." These zones guide the electric motor and hydrogen storage components in different directions during a collision. If the vehicle experiences a hard hit from either the front or back, certain mount structures are designed to bend or collapse predictably. This setup allows the electric drive module to lift while the composite hydrogen tank is pushed down, creating a clear separation between the tank and other mechanical elements. By doing this, Subaru is tackling one of the biggest safety challenges for compressed hydrogen vehicles head-on. In fact, Japan, the EU, and the U.S. have strict regulations that focus on preventing leaks and ensuring tank integrity post-collision—a challenge Subaru's new design aims to meet effectively.

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