Volvo Group, Daimler Truck and Toyota Motor Corporation are among major transport, energy and industrial companies joining forces to accelerate the commercialisation of hydrogen-powered heavy transport in Europe.
The companies are working with German policymakers to establish an integrated hydrogen mobility ecosystem, with the aim of scaling the deployment of hydrogen trucks by 2030.
Bosch, Air Liquide, TotalEnergies, TEAL Mobility and MB Energy are also involved, bringing together vehicle manufacturers, technology suppliers, energy companies and infrastructure providers.
In a statement, the companies say the initiative will focus on developing the entire hydrogen transport value chain, including vehicles, fuel supply and strategically located refuelling infrastructure.
“For the first time in Europe, Germany is bringing together the full ecosystem needed to scale the deployment of hydrogen trucks by 2030,”
They say the approach combines supportive policy settings and vehicle availability with an integrated hydrogen supply chain and infrastructure.
A key part of the initiative will be deploying hydrogen refuelling stations along strategic European transport corridors, coordinated with the introduction of hydrogen-powered truck fleets.
The companies also want hydrogen to be available at competitive prices, saying this will be critical to making the technology commercially viable for transport operators.
They say delivering a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem to complement battery-electric transport will require “coordinated development across the entire value chain”.
This includes commercialising competitive vehicles, establishing refuelling infrastructure that meets customer requirements and ensuring reliable access to hydrogen at viable prices.
“Together, these elements can create the conditions for a competitive total cost of ownership and position hydrogen as a practical, scalable solution for CO2-free transport,” the companies say.
Further details of the collaboration will be unveiled by participating company chief executives at the IAA Transportation commercial vehicle show in Hanover, Germany, on September 15.
