The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, Hyliko and HYmpulsion are launching a first-of-its-kind initiative enabling transport operators and shippers to test a zero-emission hydrogen-powered truck free of charge under real operating conditions. The trial will take place during summer 2026 as part of the IMAGHyNE project.
The initiative will run throughout July and September 2026, giving transport professionals the opportunity to operate a second-generation Hyliko 4×2 hydrogen-powered tractor unit for several days within their day-to-day operations. Designed and assembled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, the vehicle will be tested under real operating conditions to assess its suitability for intensive freight transport.
“For several years, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region has been committed to building a comprehensive hydrogen value chain, from production to end-use applications. This initiative gives transport operators and shippers the opportunity to see first-hand that viable solutions already exist to accelerate the decarbonization of road freight transport,” said Fabrice Pannekoucke, President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region.
With a minimum driving range of 500 kilometers and an average refueling time of just 16 minutes on the HYmpulsion network, the vehicle will be made available to participating companies, enabling them to integrate it directly into their daily routes and evaluate the practical use, operational performance and requirements of hydrogen mobility.
Accelerating the decarbonization of heavy-duty transport
“The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region has all the assets needed to become a leading hub for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty mobility, with established infrastructure and a committed industrial ecosystem. The fact that our vehicles are designed and assembled locally further strengthens this regional and industrial momentum. Through this trial, we are demonstrating that hydrogen is already a practical and operational solution for heavy-duty transport,” added Ovarith Troeung, Chief Executive Officer of Hyliko.
This trial reflects the shared commitment of Hyliko, HYmpulsion and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region to accelerate the decarbonization of road freight transport by giving transport operators and shippers the opportunity to test a hydrogen-powered solution, with no commitment, under real operating conditions. The initiative also aims to foster the development of a regional ecosystem bringing together vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure operators and end users around zero-emission heavy-duty mobility.
