The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University has received road approval for its first modular truck drive system combining a fuel cell and electric motor, marking a milestone in Germany’s push to decarbonise heavy goods transport.
The prototype is part of the “SeLV” research project, which has been supported by €16.9 million in funding from the Federal Ministry of Transport since 2021. The project aims to develop configurable powertrains for trucks that can be tailored to different applications. The system is designed not only for new vehicles but also as a retrofit option for existing fleets.
PEM said the prototype will gather real-world performance data in the coming months. “The official approval for road service shows that innovative approaches can be brought from research prototypes to practical suitability and ultimately to series production in a short period of time,” said PEM Director Professor Achim Kampker.
Before road testing begins, the vehicle will be exhibited at the NUFAM commercial vehicle trade fair in Karlsruhe from Sept. 25-28. It will also be used to transport other RWTH Aachen exhibits on battery technology, fuel cells and electric motors.
Germany is seeking to reduce emissions from heavy-duty trucks, which account for about 35% of the transport sector’s greenhouse gas output. While many manufacturers are prioritising battery-electric trucks, PEM continues to highlight the role of hydrogen fuel cells. “The high energy requirements of heavy-duty trucks make it possible to exploit the technological advantages of fuel cells – especially their long range and high payload capacity,” Kampker said.
