hylane, a key player in the world of sustainable transportation, is rapidly expanding its rental fleet of fuel cell vehicles. The company recently inked purchase agreements for an impressive 78 additional hydrogen trucks, a move that solidifies its leading position in the European Union.
Among these new vehicles, 26 come directly from the renowned manufacturer IVECO. Furthermore, this expansion is complemented by a close cooperation with selected workshops from IVECO and Hyundai, adding an essential layer of support for hylane’s customers.
hylane’s reputation as an industry leader is underpinned by its current status as the operator of the largest hydrogen truck fleet within the European Union. These trucks have demonstrated their capabilities in real-world applications, notably in heavy road freight transport for diverse clientele. Buoyed by this success and a growing demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions, hylane has committed to growing its fleet to 122 vehicles, significantly raising the bar for sustainability in the transportation industry.
Bernd Zens, Managing Director of hylane, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s positive trajectory. He emphasized the significance of building trust among existing customers and the motivation to expand their business further. The surging demand underscores the correctness of their approach and spurs them to work even more diligently on their mission.
hylane’s quest for growth and sustainability has led to an important partnership with IVECO, a renowned manufacturer of fuel cell trucks and an essential workshop partner for selected vehicles. The initial procurement includes 26 tractor units equipped with fuel cell technology. Notably, while the existing hylane fleet relies on refueling at a pressure of 350 bar, IVECO has adopted a 700-bar refueling approach. This strategic choice allows hylane customers to experience and compare both systems, contributing to a deeper understanding of fuel cell technology.
Christian Sulser, Director of Sales and Marketing at Iveco Magirus AG, praised the partnership, highlighting hylane’s trust in IVECO’s expertise in fuel cell technology and the crucial workshop support for fuel cell-powered vehicles.
The IVECO FCEV tractor units boast an impressive range of up to 800 kilometers, ensuring long-haul capabilities. These trucks can store up to 70 kilograms of hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bar, powering two fuel cells with an output of approximately 200 kW. The eAxle, drawing its energy from fuel cells and two strategically placed battery packs, provides a robust system output of 400 kW. These vehicles have a permissible total weight of 44 tons, making them well-suited for diverse transportation needs.
Sara Schiffer, Managing Director of hylane, described the collaboration with IVECO as a pivotal milestone in the company’s journey. The move aligns with the growing demand and enormous potential for reducing CO2 emissions, especially within the realm of 40-ton trucks. IVECO’s established workshop network adds another layer of importance to this partnership.
Crucially, all the newly purchased vehicles have been funded by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV). This funding falls under the directive for the support of commercial vehicles with alternative, eco-friendly drives and their associated refueling and charging infrastructure (KsNI). NOW GmbH coordinates the funding guidelines, with applications approved by the Federal Office for Goods Transport.
In a nod to sustainability and competitive pricing, hylane offers a usage-based rental model known as “pay-per-use.” This model ensures that customers pay only for the kilometers they actually drive. The funds from the government’s support are channeled to lower the rental rates for these eco-friendly vehicles, making them more accessible and attractive to a broad range of customers.
