‘Europa’ is the name of a new hydrogen fuel cell-powered truck that has been introduced by Zepp.solutions, a major Dutch manufacturer and integrator of fuel cell systems.
The zero-emission vehicle is intended to replace the diesel 4×2 tractor unit, which is the most common form of heavy-duty road transportation.
The Europa includes a number of features that transform the transportation sector. It has the same ease of operation and cargo capacity as a diesel equivalent and has a long range, sleeper cab, quick refueling, and the ability to tow an ISO trailer (13.6 m / 45 ft container). The car is built on a tried-and-true truck chassis from a well-known truck manufacturer.
The first automobiles, 4×2 tractor units with 350 bar hydrogen storage systems, will go into service in Q4 2023. The cars will have a range of more than 700 km with more than 50 kg of useable hydrogen on board. The truck will also be offered in a 700-bar hydrogen storage variant (>80 kg usable H2) by the end of 2024, extending the range to more than 1000 kilometres on a single fill. After conversion, the hydrogen has an useable electrical energy capacity of more than 900 kWh for the 350 pressure version and 1450 kWh for the 700 bar version.
The 350 bar version is the preferred vehicle for initial customers and interested parties because 700 bar heavy-duty vehicle refueling infrastructure in Europe still needs to be developed.
Hydrogen-powered vehicle
Different vehicle designs, including box trucks, other axle combinations, and cabs, can be equipped with the hydrogen-electric powertrain. The zepp X150 fuel cell module serves as the engine of the drivetrain. Additional stacks and/or modules may be integrated for better performance and range.
For incorporation into other automobiles or applications, the X150 fuel cell module and zepp’s hydrogen storage systems are also offered as standalone components.
Strict EU standards that have guided its development have made the Europa truck design ideal for the European transportation market. The maximum gross combined vehicle weight in the majority of EU nations is 40 metric tons. For articulated vehicles with zero emissions, EU legislation raises this weight restriction to 42 metric tons. The Europa tractor will have a comparable payload capacity to its diesel version because it weighs less than 2 tons more than that vehicle.
Financial incentives for mobility with no emissions
Through a variety of financial incentives and subsidies, European consumers are encouraged to convert to zero-emission vehicles. The Dutch AanZET subsidy is one such initiative that might pay up to 37% of the cost of new zero-emission trucks. The first-come, first-served AanZET subsidy scheme launches on April 4th.
Starting today, anyone who are interested can register their interest on the zepp website without being obligated. Customers can reserve a top slot in the production queue by registering. When the first two trucks are delivered to the two launch clients, BCTN Group and VOS Transport Group, in Q4 of this year, more details and the final design will be made public.
