Hyliko has achieved a first in France by successfully completing the hydrogen homologation tests for its range of retrofitted HGVs (44T tractor truck and 26T rigid truck), with a view to the imminent launch of France’s first hydrogen-powered HGVs, designed and assembled in France. This initiative, which is transforming the existing fleet of HGVs by encouraging the re-use of equipment and ensuring strict compliance with European and French regulations, paves the way for an era of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty mobility. It gives concrete expression to the decarbonisation of road transport by hydrogen on French roads from 2024, before extending to the whole of Europe.
A milestone for the decarbonisation of transport
After two years of intensive development testing, the UTAC homologation test centre has confirmed that the retrofit kit developed by Hyliko for the range of 44T tractor units and 26T rigids on its zero-emission heavy-duty mobility platform has passed the homologation tests. This stage in the approval process is a major achievement, marking a first in France and paving the way for hydrogen-powered HGVs and tractors to be put on the road in France from mid-2024. This major step forward is the fruit of collaborative work by Hyliko’s teams and the ecosystem of partners working on retrofitting its vehicles so that they can be integrated into an all-inclusive rental offer (vehicle, energy and services) aimed at transport professionals committed to decarbonising their activities (public works, transport of refrigerated goods, etc.).
A sustainable and secure approach
The vehicles concerned are retrofitted vehicles selected from the existing fleet. Their architecture and operation have been redesigned for a second life, based on the “zero emissions” concept. This approach, carried out in the assembly workshops in France, offers a significant reduction in their carbon footprint thanks to the reuse of the chassis and equipment components, as well as the change of engine technology from internal combustion to a fuel cell electric-hydrogen hybrid. Hyliko has set up an operational centre at the Transpolis test centre to develop its retrofit HGVs, demonstrating its commitment to testing and improving vehicle performance and safety in real-life conditions. In its strategic role as a platform for the mobility of the future, the Transpolis test centre, which has already been designated as a state technical service, is committed to extending its scope of accreditation and thus encouraging the emergence of low-carbon vehicles, such as Hyliko. The type-approval tests for these vehicles, carried out by UTAC in their laboratories and on their test tracks, are the culmination of a comprehensive development process carried out by Hyliko over the last two years. These tests assessed various aspects, including the key elements of safe use of hydrogen on board the vehicle, braking performance, speed limitation and steering system, electromagnetic compatibility, safety linked to high-voltage electrical systems, noise levels and acoustic warning system. This homologation effort reflects the vision of UTAC, the technical reference in France appointed to carry out these tests, and has conducted them in line with its commitment to innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. These tests meet the requirements of the retrofit decree in force, and mark a key stage in the type-approval process with a view to the future introduction of vehicles on public roads in compliance with the safety and performance standards specific to heavy goods vehicles for road haulage.
Towards an era of hydrogen mobility?
Once approval has been granted, retrofitted 44T tractor units and 26T rigids will be ready for deployment, with the first Hyliko customers gradually starting up operations in the first half of the year. This start-up is in line with the objectives set by the European Parliament, with hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles actively contributing to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and atmospheric exhaust pollutants for their activities, while serving the most energy-intensive zero-emission uses. Hyliko trucks will be supplied with green hydrogen, guaranteeing the sustainability of the approach, thanks to the stations designed for trucks and made available by Hyliko as part of its offer. According to Christophe Lora, Interim Director of Hyliko’s Trucks BU: “The successful completion of these homologation tests represents a significant step towards our common goal of decarbonising road transport through zero-emission energy. We are delighted that we have worked with TRANSPOLIS to develop our vehicles and that UTAC has validated the reliability and safety of our hydrogen retrofitted vehicles with a view to putting them on the road in the near future. This is a real victory for sustainability and innovation in the transport sector, and for hauliers and their principals, who we will now be able to support in carrying out their decarbonisation projects, while ensuring the performance of their most energy-intensive activities”. Antoine Pamart, UTAC’s Director of Homologation, said: “We would like to thank Hyliko for their confidence in us and are delighted with this collaboration. Hydrogen is a promising solution for achieving regulatory objectives in the field of reducing pollutant emissions and the energy transition. Our teams are proud to have played a key role in carrying out these tests in our laboratories, and we will continue to support the innovative initiatives that are shaping our future.” Philippe Lamoine, Managing Director of Transpolis: “Transpolis has been a key partner in the successful testing of Hyliko’s hydrogen vehicles. Thanks to our comprehensive infrastructure and advanced technical resources, we have provided an environment conducive to validating the performance of the vehicles. Our close collaboration with Hyliko has ensured the reliability and compliance of a new low-carbon mobility solution involving the retrofitting of hydrogen heavy goods vehicles.” Lien vers le communiqué en françaisLink to the press release in englishPress contacts Marie Tournois Communications Manager marie.tournois@hyliko.com
