Scania has announced a partnership with Cummins, to develop fuel cell electric trucks that run on green hydrogen.
Built on a framework for battery-powered electric vehicles
The fuel cell electric trucks will be based on Scania’s battery electric vehicle platform and will incorporate Cummins’ PEM fuel cell systems as well as hydrogen fueling and storage technologies. The 20 vehicles will be delivered to HyTrucks in 2024, a jointly formed initiative project in the Netherlands managed by Air Liquide and the Port of Rotterdam Authority, once Cummins has attached fuel cells to the trucks.
Scania will learn even more about how to install fuel cell systems, how to operate them, and what consumers think about them as a result of the HyTrucks initiative. “We’ve been clear that battery-electric is the main track for all applications,” says the company. “However, we are open to what our customers desire in terms of alternative technologies, such as hydrogen,” adds Fredrik Allard, Scania’s Head of E-mobility. It’s also a wonderful chance for Scania to deepen its relationship with Cummins Inc. “We envisage fuel cell electric cars being employed in some businesses and geographies where battery electric vehicles are not appropriate.” We have a close discussion with our clients about what is best for their overall operating economy as well as the environment.”