Colruyt Group and VDL Enabling Transport Solutions (VDL ETS) strengthen their cooperation in the European H2HAUL project with the use of 350 bar hydrogen trucks. The Belgian retail group tests the vehicles intensively in daily logistics operations to check the practical applicability of hydrogen in heavy transport.
The H2HAUL project, co-financed by the European Union, wants to accelerate the introduction of hydrogen trucks in Europe. “We strongly believe in a zero-emission future for the logistics sector. Hydrogen is a promising technology in addition to battery-electric transport,” says Lieselot Rouquart, responsible for Zero Emission Transport at Colruyt Group.
The tested trucks are equipped with a storage capacity of 40 kg of hydrogen, spread over seven lightweight carbon fiber tanks (350 bar), a battery pack of 210 kWh and support a maximum weight of 44 tons. The range is approximately 450 km completely emission -free.
Since the end of May, one truck has been running in the Colruyt Group distribution routes; A second vehicle will follow soon. The first experiences are positive: drivers mainly praise driving comfort and the smooth performance.
