Colruyt and VDL deploy 350-bar hydrogen trucks

Colruyt Group is deploying 350-bar hydrogen trucks in partnership with VDL Enabling Transport Solutions (VDL ETS) as part of the EU-cofunded H2Haul R&D project to test hydrogen fuel-cell trucks in daily logistics operations.

• Deployment & testing details: Colruyt Group is intensively testing the hydrogen trucks in daily logistics; one truck operational since the end of May, the second expected soon; the project is co-funded by the European Union and aims to demonstrate practical applicability of hydrogen technology in heavy-duty transport, in collaboration with VDL ETS and OPmobility.
• Technical specifications & background: Vehicles use a fuel cell developed by OPmobility with VDL ETS, 40 kg hydrogen storage split over seven lightweight carbon-fiber tanks (241 L each) at 350 bar, a 210 kWh battery pack, maximum combined weight 44 tonnes, range ≈ 450 km, compatibility with a standard e-truck day cab + trailer without exceeding the legal 16.5 m length; tested in urban and rural environments. Colruyt urges Belgian governments to adopt incentivizing legislative measures to support green mobility technology.