Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG’s (HHLA’s) intermodal company Metrans is testing Slovakia’s first hydrogen-powered truck in operational service, in collaboration with the technology firm Mobility & Innovation Production s.r.o (MIP).
This initiative follows the signing of a letter of intent at the official product launch in Slovakia. Metrans aims to expand its zero-emission vehicle fleet, offering fully climate-neutral container transport to its customers.
On Thursday, 14 November 2024, MIP, Metrans, and other partner companies showcased the truck at the Slovakia Ring in Orechová Potôň. As part of the testing phase, Metrans will use the hydrogen truck for Slovak transport within its European network and conduct extensive trials.
The MIP hydrogen truck stands out from other electric trucks due to its extended range, thanks to a 48-kilogram hydrogen tank that allows for at least 600 kilometres of travel. Notably, this range can be achieved without altering refuelling habits.
For the duration of the test drives, the truck will be powered solely by hydrogen sourced from renewable energy. Metrans has been utilizing electric trucks for container transport for two years, complementing their fleet of energy-efficient electric and hybrid locomotives, as well as electric container gantry cranes. The addition of the hydrogen-powered truck further enhances Metrans’ commitment to providing fully climate-friendly transport solutions.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to test MIP’s new hydrogen-powered truck for our container transports. Through innovations like this, we can offer our customers climate-friendly transport not only by rail but also by road. This takes us another important step toward decarbonising European logistics chains,” said Peter Kiss, CEO of the Metrans Group.
By combining eco-friendly rail and road transport, Metrans delivers substantial value to its customers. Furthermore, Metrans is actively involved in the Clean Port & Logistics Cluster, where HHLA and its partners are exploring hydrogen-powered solutions for port logistics.
HHLA has been pursuing a comprehensive decarbonization strategy across its facilities and equipment for several years, with the goal of achieving full climate neutrality by 2040.
At its European terminals, HHLA already operates electrically powered container gantry cranes, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and tractor units. The Slovak hydrogen truck is built on the Ford F-Max platform, with support from Ford, and features cutting-edge technologies not yet found in commercially available vehicles.
Equipped with a 117 kW REFIRE fuel cell, the truck is powered efficiently, and it is the first in Europe to incorporate the Dana Sumo motor into a heavy-duty vehicle. The truck’s maximum permissible weight is 45 tonnes, in line with European standards.
