Author: Oliver Grant

Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler and Sardinian public transport operator ARST are developing what they describe as the world’s first hydrogen-powered train specifically designed for narrow-gauge railway networks. The new fleet is scheduled to begin passenger operations in 2028, supporting Italy’s efforts to decarbonize regional rail services that have traditionally relied on diesel-powered trains. Purpose-Built for Narrow-Gauge Networks The initial fleet of 10 hydrogen trains will operate on ARST’s regional routes linking Alghero Airport with Mamuntanas, as well as the Sassari–Alghero and Sassari–Sorso lines. According to the project partners, replacing diesel trains with hydrogen-powered vehicles is expected to reduce carbon dioxide…

Driivz, a Vontier company specializing in electric vehicle charging software, has signed a strategic partnership with Iberdrola | bp pulse to manage and optimize the charge point operator’s network of 2,500 fast and ultra-fast chargers across the Iberian Peninsula. The agreement will see Driivz deploy its software platform to provide real-time operational analytics, enabling Iberdrola | bp pulse to monitor charger availability, uptime, hardware performance and charging patterns while supporting the continued expansion of its public charging network. Data-Driven Platform to Improve Network Performance Under the partnership, Iberdrola | bp pulse will integrate Driivz’s intelligent charging and energy management platform…

Owners of early-generation fuel-cell vehicles could soon face a significant maintenance challenge as the certified service life of their high-pressure hydrogen tanks approaches expiration, according to Vision Mobility. Unlike the fuel-cell powertrain itself, the carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) hydrogen tanks are approved for a fixed operational lifespan of between 15 and 20 years, depending on their design. Once that certification expires, the tanks must currently be replaced for the vehicle to retain its operating licence. The issue affects some of the earliest commercially available fuel-cell passenger cars, including the first-generation Toyota Mirai, Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell and Honda FCX Clarity. Tank…

Polestar has opened order books in the United Kingdom for the updated Polestar 4, introducing chassis refinements, a revised trim lineup and lower lifecycle carbon emissions for the electric SUV coupe. The updated model starts at £56,750 and is available in three configurations: Rear motor, Dual motor and Dual motor with the Performance pack. Chassis Updated for Improved Driving Dynamics The latest Polestar 4 receives a recalibrated chassis on both Rear motor and Dual motor variants. The suspension now combines high-capacity passive dampers with revised spring and anti-roll bar settings, while polyurethane rebound stops replace the previous internal rebound coil…

Volkswagen has revealed new details of its upcoming Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) offering in Germany, including eligible brands, customer incentives, and charging hardware, as the automaker prepares for a commercial launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. The initiative, developed through Volkswagen’s energy subsidiary Elli, will initially be available to customers of Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and Cupra. The company has opened non-binding registration for the service during the Power2Drive Europe trade fair in Munich. Integrated V2G Package Volkswagen’s V2G package combines compatible electric vehicles, a bidirectional DC wallbox, the Volkswagen Naturstrom V2G Flow electricity tariff, a dedicated mobile app, and backend…

Toyota has begun production of the all-new RAV4 Hybrid at its Georgetown, Kentucky manufacturing plant, supported by approximately $2 billion in investments announced over the past two years. The automaker also broke ground on a new paint facility at the site, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions and water consumption as part of the company’s broader sustainability initiatives. RAV4 Hybrid Added to Production Lineup The start of RAV4 Hybrid assembly marks the latest expansion of Toyota’s electrified vehicle production in the United States. The Georgetown facility, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, will also begin production of…

Daimler Truck will deliver the first unit of its second-generation Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 Truck to logistics provider Dachser at the end of 2026, marking a further step in the development of hydrogen-powered freight transport in Europe. Two additional vehicles are scheduled to follow in mid-2027. The three fuel-cell trucks will be based at Dachser’s logistics centre in Karlsruhe, Germany, and incorporated into the company’s transport network, including routes extending to other European countries. Liquid Hydrogen Technology at the Core The Karlsruhe facility is located about 30 kilometres from Daimler Truck’s manufacturing plant in Wörth, where the NextGenH2 Truck is produced and…

Daimler Truck has disclosed new technical details about its NextGenH2 Truck, highlighting the common architecture it shares with the battery-electric eActros 600 while reaffirming its view that battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles will serve different long-haul transport applications. The company said the fuel cell truck will enter small-series deployment from the end of 2026 and is designed to offer a driving range of more than 1,000 kilometers on a single refueling. Shared Electric Drive Platform The NextGenH2 Truck and the eActros 600 both utilize Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ in-house developed electric drive axle, which integrates electric motors, power electronics, and a four-speed transmission.…

Chinese automaker Dongfeng has introduced a new 400 kW hydrogen fuel cell system for heavy-duty commercial vehicles and unveiled a dedicated vehicle platform designed to support the technology, as the company seeks to expand its presence in the hydrogen-powered transport sector. The announcement was made during Dongfeng’s “Hydrogen Propulsion for Dongfeng – Pioneering the Future” event in Wuhan, where the manufacturer showcased what it described as its latest-generation fuel cell technology for commercial vehicles. According to Dongfeng, the new fuel cell system delivers 400 kW of power, offers a service life exceeding 30,000 operating hours and is capable of starting…

BMW has started pre-series production of the Energy Master control unit for its upcoming BMW iX5 Hydrogen at the company’s plant in Landshut. The automaker also said it has brought a second production line online for the battery-electric version of the same control unit as part of preparations for broader electrified vehicle production. BMW plans to launch the iX5 Hydrogen in 2028. The Energy Master functions as the central control unit for the vehicle’s high-voltage system, managing energy and data flows as well as power distribution for the electric drivetrain and onboard electrical systems. In the hydrogen-powered iX5, a modified…

Toyota Motor North America and Hyroad Energy have announced a partnership to expand hydrogen-powered freight transportation in Southern California through a combined offering of fuel cell trucks, hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and logistics support services. Under the agreement, the companies plan to deploy 40 hydrogen fuel cell Class 8 trucks to support Toyota’s logistics operations in the region. Hyroad will provide vehicle maintenance, software, fleet data services and operational support as part of the collaboration. The trucks involved in the project are Nikola Tre fuel cell electric vehicle tractors acquired from the insolvency auction of Nikola in August 2025. According to…

Scottish hydrogen truck developer Hydrogen Vehicle Systems has been sold for 145,000 pounds ($190,000) through a pre-pack administration deal after entering insolvency proceedings, according to a report by The Herald citing the company’s administrators. Founded in 2017, the Glasgow-based company focused on developing fuel cell-powered electric commercial vehicles and related technologies. The business operated for nearly seven years before financial pressures forced it into administration. See also: Hyundai Partners With Seoul Operators to Expand Hydrogen Bus Deployment The pre-pack arrangement allowed the company’s business and assets to be sold as part of the insolvency process in an effort to avoid…

Canadian fuel cell supplier Ballard Power Systems will supply fuel cell modules for the next generation of hydrogen-powered buses from Polish bus maker Solaris, extending a partnership between the two companies that began seven years ago. The future Solaris hydrogen buses will use Ballard’s FCmove-SC fuel cell module, which the Canadian company introduced in 2025. The system delivers a peak output of 75 kilowatts and is designed to improve efficiency, durability and operating costs for transport operators. See also: Ballard Wins Order for 500 Fuel Cell Modules From New Flyer Solaris launched its first hydrogen-powered city bus, the Solaris Urbino…

Toyota and Saudi distributor Abdul Latif Jameel Motors have completed a public hydrogen fuel cell bus trial in Yanbu, as the companies seek to promote hydrogen-powered public transport in Saudi Arabia. The trial took place during the final days of the Yanbu Flower Festival between April 19 and April 23. The hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) bus operated on a public route of approximately 7 to 10 kilometres between the Corp Hotel on the Yanbu Waterfront and the festival site at Events Garden, including a stop at Dana Mall. See also: BMW Prepares Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Launch in…

Hyundai Motor has entered a partnership with local transportation operators and infrastructure stakeholders in the Seoul metropolitan area to support the deployment of hydrogen-powered city buses and related refuelling infrastructure. The agreement involves public transport operators Dowon Transportation and Samhwan Transportation, as well as infrastructure firm Sewoon Industry. The initiative aims to establish conditions for wider adoption of hydrogen fuel cell buses in urban transit systems. See also: Hyundai Launches South America’s First Hydrogen Truck Fleet In Uruguay Under the plan, Hyundai Motor will supply hydrogen fuel cell electric buses based on its Hyundai Elec City model and provide maintenance…

BMW Group has introduced a new hydrogen storage concept for its BMW iX5 Hydrogen, aiming to increase driving range and improve space efficiency as part of its broader push into hydrogen-powered mobility. The new “Hydrogen Flat Storage” system allows the vehicle to achieve a range of up to 750 kilometres, while optimising packaging within the vehicle architecture. The design integrates hydrogen tanks in a way that preserves cabin space and remains compatible with BMW’s Gen6 high-voltage battery, enabling hydrogen variants to be built on the same production lines as battery-electric, hybrid and combustion models. According to BMW, the system consists…

Japan’s Toyota plans to join fuel cell joint venture Cellcentric as an equal partner alongside Daimler Truck and Volvo Group, in a move aimed at accelerating hydrogen technology for heavy-duty transport. The three companies have signed a letter of intent, with a binding agreement yet to be finalized. The partners said they intend to strengthen Cellcentric’s position as a leading supplier of fuel cell systems for heavy commercial vehicles, while continuing to operate independently in other business areas. Cellcentric was established in 2021 by Daimler Truck and Volvo Group to develop fuel cell systems for trucks and other heavy-duty applications.…

Rhenus Group has begun testing a hydrogen-powered truck from Daimler Truck as part of a one-year customer trial of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, marking the second phase of real-world validation for the technology. The pre-series vehicle, powered by liquid hydrogen, is based at Rhenus’ logistics hub in Duisburg and has been fully integrated into daily operations. According to the company, the truck is used five days a week across both regional and long-haul routes, covering distances ranging from around 150 kilometres to up to 650 kilometres. The trial forms part of a broader programme involving five logistics and industrial partners,…

Ballard Power Systems said it has received an order for 500 hydrogen fuel cell modules from bus manufacturer New Flyer, representing a total capacity of about 50 megawatts. The modules will be used in New Flyer’s Xcelsior Charge FC buses deployed across North America. Deliveries of the systems are expected to begin this year, the companies said. The order covers Ballard’s FCmove-HD+ fuel cell module, each rated at 100 kilowatts and weighing around 250 kilograms. The companies have worked together for more than a decade. Their current framework agreement was signed in January 2024 between Ballard and NFI Group, which…

Bosch has introduced a new hydrogen fuel cell system designed for city buses, expanding its Fuel Cell Power Module (FCPM) portfolio into the public transport segment. The new system, called the FCPM C100, was unveiled at the Mobility Move in Berlin. The module delivers 100 kilowatts of power and is designed for installation on the roof of buses measuring between 12 and 18 meters in length. See also: Nio and Bosch Sign Strategic Partnership During Merz China Visit Bosch said the module’s flat design, with a height of around 40 centimeters, allows it to be mounted on the roof—an approach…