Together, Freudenberg and ZF Friedrichshafen are creating a fuel cell-battery hybrid propulsion system for trucks and buses.

The commencement of serial manufacturing is anticipated to happen soon after the first prototype vehicles, if not earlier, hit the roads in 2023.

In order to create a fuel cell powertrain for long-distance bus platforms, both companies started the “HyFleet” research project last year. This “long-term” partnership follows that.

Even though the first focus is on truck and bus applications, it may also be expanded to rail, construction, agricultural, and marine uses, maybe even powering passenger ships at sea.

Trucks travel the road for at least 35,000 hours over their lifespan, compared to passenger automobiles’ 8,000 operating hours.