Netherlands-based Zepp.solutions has announced further details and the name for its new hydrogen fuel cell powered truck: ‘Europa’.
The Europa is equipped with long range, sleeper cab, rapid refuelling, and the ability to haul an ISO trailer (13.6 m / 45 ft container). The vehicle is built on a tried-and-true chassis from a well-known truck manufacturer.
The first vehicles, 4x2 tractor units with 350 bar hydrogen storage systems, will enter service in Q4 2023. The vehicles will have a range of more than 700 km with more than 50 kg of useable hydrogen on board. The truck will also be available in a 700-bar hydrogen storage variant (>80 kg useable H2) in late 2024, extending the range to far over 1000 kilometres on a single refill. After conversion, the useable electrical energy content of hydrogen is more than 900 kWh and 1450 kWh for the 350 and 700 bar variants, respectively.
In Europe, infrastructure for 700 bar refuelling of heavy-duty trucks is currently lacking, making the 350 bar version the vehicle of choice for initial customers and interested parties.
Different vehicle designs, such as box trucks, other axle combinations, and cabs, can also be installed with the hydrogen-electric powertrain. The powertrain is powered by a single zepp X150 fuel cell module, with the potential of adding more stacks and/or modules for enhanced efficiency and range.
The X150 fuel cell module and Zepp’s hydrogen storage systems are also available separately for incorporation into other vehicles or purposes.
The Europa truck design was developed in accordance with tight EU rules for the European transport industry. The maximum gross combined vehicle weight in most EU nations is 40 tonnes. For zero-emission N3 articulated trucks, EU and draft UK legislation raises the weight restriction to 42 tonnes. The Europa tractor will have a similar payload capacity to its diesel version because it weighs less than 2 tonnes more.
“The Europa truck is another shining example of our commitment to providing sustainable transportation solutions to the market. We’re excited to offer a zero-emission, long-range truck that can compete with its diesel counterparts in terms of payload, performance and usability” said Kevin Schreiber, co-founder of the Dutch company. “And this is just the beginning. The integrated hydrogen fuel cell system X150 and our hydrogen storage systems are also available for integration by other manufacturers. We’re looking forward to their applications of our systems.”
Further Specifications
| Specification | 350 bar edition | 700 bar edition |
|---|---|---|
| Usable H2 storage capacity | > 50 kg | > 80 kg |
| Range | > 700 km | > 1000 km |
| Usable electrical energy content | > 900 kWh | > 1450 kWh |
| Axle configuration | 4×2 | 4×2 |
| Trailer compatibility | 13.6 m / 45 ft container | 13.6 m / 45 ft container |
| Payload capacity | Same as diesel equivalent | Same as diesel equivalent |
| Availability | Q4 2023 | 2024 |
