BMW Begins Real-World Trials of Hydrogen Trucks in Leipzig

BMW is testing two hydrogen fuel cell trucks in Leipzig as part of the H2Haul project. The goal is to evaluate their performance, reduce CO2 emissions, and support sustainable freight transport.

BMW is taking another step toward environmentally friendly freight transportation. As part of the European H2Haul project, the company has started testing two hydrogen fuel cell trucks on routes between Leipzig, Landsberg, and Nuremberg. The goal is not only to test the new technology in real-world conditions but also to assess its potential to reduce CO2 emissions in the heavy transport sector.

A key aspect of the project is the construction of modern hydrogen refueling stations in Leipzig and Hormersdorf. These stations enable fast refueling with large volumes of hydrogen, significantly reducing downtime—an essential advantage in logistics, where every hour counts.

The project is being implemented in partnership with companies such as Iveco, DHL, and TEAL Mobility. A total of 16 trucks will be tested across various European countries. Among them are two IVECO S-eWay Fuel Cell trucks already in use by BMW Group's logistics division in Germany. The data collected during the tests will help bring the technology to market maturity and prepare it for mass adoption.

Hydrogen trucks offer an excellent complement to electric vehicles: they combine environmental friendliness with a longer range and shorter refueling times. Moreover, their operation does not require extensive expansion of charging infrastructure, making hydrogen particularly attractive for long-distance transportation.

BMW’s focus on hydrogen aligns with its broader strategy to decarbonize all stages of production and logistics. The company sees this technology as a key element in the transition to a carbon-neutral economy. While full commercialization is still a few steps away, the successful completion of the H2Haul project could accelerate the deployment of hydrogen trucks on European roads.

Source: www.press.bmwgroup.com