Leading Dutch fuel-cell system manufacturer Zepp.solutions has unveiled the name of its new hydrogen fuel-cell powered truck, along with more of its specifications. Europa will be a zero-emission vehicle designed as an alternative to the diesel 4×2 tractor unit, the most deployed mode of heavy-duty road transportation.
Based on a proven chassis from a renowned truck manufacturer, Europa boasts several features that Zepp.solutions claim make it ‘a game-changer in the transportation industry’. With a long range, sleeper cab, quick refuelling, and the ability to pull an ISO trailer (45 ft container), it offers the same ease of operation and payload capacity as a diesel equivalent.
The hydrogen-electric powertrain can also be fitted to other cabs, axle and vehicle configurations, such as box trucks. The heart of the powertrain is a single zepp X150 fuel cell module, with the option to integrate further stacks and/or modules for increased efficiency and range. The X150 fuel cell module and zepp’s hydrogen storage systems are also available as standalone units for integration into other vehicles or applications.
The first vehicles will enter operation in Q4 2023 as 4×2 tractor units with 350 bar hydrogen storage systems. With more than 50 kg of usable hydrogen on board, the vehicles will have a range of more than 700 km. In late 2024, the truck will also become available in a 700-bar hydrogen storage version (>80 kg usable H2), pushing the range to well over 1000 km on a single filling. The usable electrical energy content of the hydrogen after conversion is more than 900 kWh and 1450 kWh for the 350 and 700 bar versions respectively.
The Europa truck design is optimized for the European transport sector with strict EU regulations guiding its development. In most EU countries, the maximum gross combined vehicle weight is 40 metric tons. EU legislation increases this weight limit to 42 metric tons for zero-emission N3 articulated vehicles. Because the Europa tractor weighs less than 2 tons more than its diesel counterpart, it will offer a similar payload capacity. As infrastructure for 700 bar refuelling of heavy-duty vehicles still needs to be improved in Europe, Zepp.solutions believe the 350-bar version is the vehicle of choice for the first customers.
“The Europa truck is another shining example of our commitment to providing sustainable transportation solutions to the market,” said “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.”
