Page 18 - Energize June 2022

NEWS

Fuel cells for heavy duty trucks

hat kind of power does it take be critical in the transition to zero-emissions for heavy-duty trucking.
to make a heavy-duty vehicle Cummins and Scania, a world-leading provider of trucks and buses for heavy transport
Wrun? Take into consideration applications, are taking a step forward in the development and deployment of hydrogen-
their high duty cycles and loaded vehicle powered vehicles. Through their collaboration, Cummins is providing an initial 20 proton
weights of up to 42 tons in mainland exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems to be integrated into Scania’s existing battery-
Europe and 70 tonnes or more in electric vehicle (BEV) platform.
Scandinavia. That is a lot of truck. The project is a strong demonstration of hydrogen’s viability as an alternative power
Diesel is still the dominant solution, fuel due to its energy density and flexible use. It allows for longer driving ranges, heavier
as the “go-to” fuel source for heavy- payloads, and shorter refuelling times compared to battery recharging. And when hydrogen
duty mobility with the most extensive fuel is generated using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, it is
infrastructure support. To date, carbon-free.
alternative fuels have only played a niche Once the Cummins fuel cell systems are incorporated into the Scania trucks, the 20
role in heavy transportation – but that fuel-cell-electric vehicles (FCEV) will be delivered in 2024 to the HyTrucks Consortium, a
could change significantly in light of the hydrogen initiative that is one of the largest European projects to deploy heavy-duty, zero-
European Union’s climate protection emissions fleets into Europe’s high-traffic areas.
initiative and Green Deal. This collaboration is not the first time Cummins and Scania have worked together on
With the increased urgency for more hydrogen. Since the beginning of 2020, four electric Scania trucks powered by Cummins
sustainable power sources and the push fuel cell systems have been in operation in Norway, as part of a first-of-its-kind pilot project
to decarbonize the automotive and with ASKO, Norway’s largest grocery wholesaler.
mobility sectors, diesel’s role as the go-to
fuel is changing. In addition to battery Contact Sbu Gule, Cummins Africa Middle East, Phone 011 451-3433,
electric solutions, hydrogen fuel cells will sbu.gule@cummins.com, www.cummins.com

Electric Scania truck powered by Cummins
hydrogen fuel cell system | 2020

energize | June 2022 | 16