EHM, in collaboration with Schiever, an family large distribution company, is set to convert a 44-tonne DAF heavy goods vehicle from diesel to a hydrogen combustion engine. This ambitious project not only signifies a major step forward in eco-friendly logistics but also demonstrates the increasing viability of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source.
EHM has been at the forefront of the green revolution in transportation. Following their recent announcement of retrofitting a coach in partnership with Transdev, this Breton industrialist is venturing into the heavy goods vehicle sector. The retrofit of a 44-tonne truck marks another milestone in their commitment to sustainable mobility.
This conversion project, led and financed by EHM with the support of the European Fedrer program and the Bourgogne Franche-Comté region, involves replacing the existing diesel engine with a powerful 265 kW (360 hp) hydrogen combustion engine. This innovative 5-stroke engine, with a capacity of 9.08 liters, is designed to operate on clean hydrogen fuel.
The chosen test vehicle, a DAF XF 430 FT tractor provided by Schiever, will serve as a crucial prototype for the project. Schiever, the primary partner in this initiative, plans to convert 13 of its 64 heavy-duty diesel trucks to hydrogen-powered vehicles over the next three years.
In tandem with the vehicle retrofitting, Schiever is making substantial investments in the hydrogen infrastructure. The company intends to construct a state-of-the-art hydrogen production and distribution station at its Magny site in Yonne. With an impressive capacity of 2.5 MW, this facility will have the capability to produce approximately 1 tonne of hydrogen daily.
Half of the produced hydrogen will be allocated for Schiever’s own fleet, ensuring a reliable and green energy source for their vehicles. The remaining half will be made accessible to other users, potentially transforming the region’s transport sector. The station is slated to become operational by the end of 2024, coinciding with the arrival of the first heavy goods vehicles equipped with hydrogen engines.
This initiative not only signifies a substantial shift towards sustainable logistics but also positions hydrogen as a credible alternative to traditional fossil fuels in the heavy-duty transport sector. By retrofitting existing diesel trucks with hydrogen engines and investing in a robust hydrogen infrastructure, EHM and Schiever are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future in transportation.
