Delft-based Zepp.solutions, a company that specialises in the development, production and integration of integrated hydrogen fuel cell systems, has unveiled more specifications and the name for its new hydrogen fuel cell powered truck ‘Europa’.
The zero-emission vehicle is intended to replace the diesel 4×2 tractor unit, which is the most deployed mode of heavy-duty road transportation.
Everything you need to know about ‘Europa’
The company says that Europa includes a number of features, including the ‘same ease of operation and cargo capacity’ as a diesel counterpart. It also has a long-range, sleeper cab, quick refuelling, and the ability to tow an ISO trailer (13.6 m / 45 ft container).
The first vehicles, 4×2 tractor units with 350 bar hydrogen storage systems, will go into service in Q4 2023. The vehicle will have a range of more than 700 km with more than 50 kg of usable 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 a usable electrical energy capacity of more than 900 kWh for the 350-bar version and 1450 kWh for the 700-bar version.
The 350-bar version is the preferred vehicle for initial customers as the 700-bar heavy-duty vehicle refuelling infrastructure in Europe still needs to be developed.
Moreover, vehicle designs, including box trucks, alternative axle combinations, and cabs, can be installed 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.
Zepp’s hydrogen storage systems and the X150 fuel cell module are also available as standalone components that may be incorporated into other automobiles or uses.
A truck for the European market
The development of the Europa truck was governed by strict EU standards and was geared toward the European transportation market. The maximum gross combined vehicle weight is 40 metric tonnes in the majority of EU nations.
For zero-emission N3 articulated trucks, EU regulation raises this weight restriction to 42 metric tonnes. The Europa tractor will have a comparable payload capacity to its diesel version because of its weight difference of less than 2 tonnes.
Kevin Schreiber, co-founder of Zepp.solutions, says, “The Europa truck is another shining example of our commitment to providing sustainable transportation solutions to the market. We’re excited to offer a zero-emission, long-range truck that can compete with its diesel counterparts in terms of payload, performance and usability.”
“The integrated hydrogen fuel cell system X150 and our hydrogen storage systems are also available for integration by other manufacturers. We’re looking forward to their applications of our systems,” adds Schreiber.
Zepp mentions that through a variety of financial incentives and subsidies, European consumers are urged to convert to zero-emission vehicles. The Dutch AanZET subsidy is one such initiative that might pay up to 37 per cent of the cost of new zero-emission trucks.
The first-come, first-served AanZET subsidy scheme begins on April 4.
Interested parties can register here. By registering, customers can secure a priority spot in the production queue. More specifications and the final design of ‘Europa’ will be provided along with the delivery of the first two trucks to launching customers BCTN Group and VOS Transport Group in Q4 of this year.
About Zepp.solutions
Founded in 2017 by Jonas Brendelberger, Jan Bot, Kevin Schreiber, Joost Kortleve, and Remco Duba, Zepp.solutions aims to provide fuel cell system technologies to automotive manufacturers, shipyards, and OEMs.
The company provides integrated, compact solutions for medium- and heavy-duty industries.
The PEM fuel cell system solutions offered by the company include all parts, systems, and software controls required to convert hydrogen gas into electricity with the highest possible efficiency and reliability.
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