The largest hydrogen fuel-cell truck begins operations
DB Schenker is the first logistics service provider to operate a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in the 40-ton class in Germany. The first hydrogen-powered semitrailer tractor is registered in Germany and has regular daily service between Cologne, Germany, and Eupen, Belgium.
DB Schenker is the first logistics service provider to operate a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in the 40-ton class in Germany. The first hydrogen-powered semitrailer tractor is registered in Germany and has regular daily service between Cologne, Germany, and Eupen, Belgium.
Cyrille Bonjean, Executive Vice President Land Transport in Europe, DB Schenker, said: “The deployment of the first hydrogen-powered 40-ton vehicle in cross-border traffic between Germany and Belgium is a milestone achievement in the context of our long-term sustainability goals. It demonstrates that we are operating at the cutting edge of technology. It is a good example of the importance of cooperating with innovative and high-performing green mobility companies.”
The truck, manufactured by Hyzon, has a range of around 400 kilometers, while at the same time, the maximum payload is higher than 100% for electrically powered trucks. Another major advantage of hydrogen technology in everyday use is the fast-refueling process of approximately 15 minutes. DB Schenker is using the Hyzon truck in a pay-per-use model offered by hylane, a rental company specializing in CO2-neutral commercial vehicles.
Next step in electrification - Deployment of 100 eActros LongHaul in the European network
In recent news the signing of an agreement between Mercedes Benz Trucks and DB Schenker leads the way as the global logistics service provider acquires the new eActros LongHaul to join their European fleet network. 100 of these eTrucks will be implemented with start of the series production in 2024. Longer journeys will now be possible with this eTruck model thanks to the innovative use of the battery-electric tractor unit with a range of around 500 km.
Cyrille Bonjean, Executive Vice President Land Transport in Europe, DB Schenker, said: “With the successive expansion of our electric fleet, we are continuing to pursue our goal of becoming the world’s leading provider of green logistics. With the eActros LongHaul, it is now possible to use battery-electric vehicles in long-distance haul routes in practice. Now we can include both swap body trucks and tractor units in our groupage network for long-distance transport, which can also be used in FTL and LTL transport. It is important for us to take responsibility for the environment and pursue ecological approaches to solutions.”
The eActros LongHaul uses batteries with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell technology. These are characterized above all by a long service life and more usable energy. The eActros LongHaul’s batteries can be charged in series from 20 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes at a charging station with about one megawatt of power as standard. Three battery packs provide a total installed capacity of over 600 kWh, and two electric motors as part of a new eActros generate 400 kW of continuous output and of 600 kW of peak output.