The first hydrogen truck from Slovakia
The Slovak innovative technology company Mobility & Innovation Production s.r.o. (MIP) unveiled the first hydrogen-powered truck on 14th of November, 2024, successfully passing homologation tests accordance with EU regulations.
The first Slovak hydrogen truck is built on the Ford Trucks F-MAX platform with unique support from Ford Trucks. It is the most innovative hydrogen-powered truck that meets the strictest European standards. This product utilizes breakthrough technologies that have not yet been integrated into vehicles available on the market. All parameters have been thoroughly tested and documented:
» Compared to electric trucks, our trucks offer extended range for long-distance travel, providing up to 750 km of range.
» Refuelling is a quick and efficient process supporting consistent operation schedules.
» Seamless User Experience for Drivers, making it an accessible option for fleets transitioning to zero-emission alternatives without disrupting established driving habits.
» The estimated range is from 600 to 750 km, which is incomparable with other alternative drives.
» The range on traction batteries from the manufacturer Dura Power is up to 120 km.
» Integrated REFIRE fuel cell with a capacity of 117kW (also available in 180 and 200kW versions).
» The first truck in Europe with Dana Sumo motor integrated into heavy-duty vehicle along with a special 4-speed gearbox from EATON developed for electric drive in heavy-duty transport.
» The homologated maximum gross vehicle weight is 45 tons.
» The fifth wheel position is compatible with all trailers that meet ISO standards for non-mega trailers.
» The truck’s compatibility is the same as the diesel version of the base model Ford Trucks F-MAX.
Impressive parameters
The new modern and zero-emission truck, named M&I RH120R, is powered by the DANA TM4 Sumo HV 2500 6-P electric motor, offering 540kW (734hp) with a torque up to 2500Nm. The truck integrates a four-speed transmission from Eaton which was developed directly for heavy-duty E-drive application. The Refire Prisma XII+ fuel cell with a power of 117kW charges high-performance traction batteries from Durapower with a capacity of 122kWh, which can also be charged via a CCS2 connector. On board this unique truck are four 12 kg hydrogen tanks manufactured by Nproxx, allowing the truck to travel from 600 to 750 kilometers on a single fill.
During the vehicle presentation, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Metrans and Waberer’s, as the first interested parties in the presented vehicle. Both companies plan to test the vehicles in daily real operations and are considering the possibility of adding the zero-emission vehicle to their fleets in the future.
Slovak company Mobility & Innovation Production, s.r.o. is a Slovak innovative technology company focused on research and development of zero-emission propulsion systems for various vehicles. It continuously strives to implement the latest and most advanced technologies that meet European Union regulations. It focuses exclusively on developing concepts that are fully homologated for use in transport vehicles.
In addition to the hydrogen truck, 2022, MIP introduced the first city hydrogen bus to the European market in 2022 with record low hydrogen consumption, confirming its position as a European leader in the development of zero-emission city buses with ultra-light composite bodies.ň
Quote from Pavel Čulík, Managing Director of MIP
“The first hydrogen truck to pass homologation tests in Europe is proof of what human ingenuity can achieve when combined with the power of teamwork. This unique project would not have been possible without the dedication and extraordinary effort of everyone involved. It is a triumph of courage, creativity, and collaboration. I am only saddened that today we cannot share this moment with the person who stood by the decision to embark on this challenging project, our partner, friend, and a visionary in technological trends of the future, Mr. Rudolf Hrubý.”
Quote from János Onódi, CEO of MIP
“I am extremely proud of the results from our research and development team. We have achieved a major success that sets new standards in zero-emission heavy transport. While many projects for developing alternative-powered trucks appear almost every day, we have successfully completed this project. This shows that Slovakia has talented people who can not only make but also develop top-quality products. With our strategic partner, Ford Trucks, we show that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
Quote from Emrah Duman, Vice President of Ford Trucks
“Ford Trucks is a leading brand shaping the future of transportation solutions in the heavy commercial sector. Our vision is to create value with the most efficient transportation solutions. In line with this vision, we continuously develop our product portfolio technologically through our R&D capabilities, engineering expertise, and investments in innovation. We are moving forward with the goal of a zero-emission future, and our R&D efforts continue at full speed to achieve this. At Ford Trucks, we see our collaboration with Mobility & Innovation Production s.r.o as a valuable opportunity. Especially in the field of FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) technologies, their pioneering role in our joint projects is extremely valuable to us. This collaboration not only contributes to the industry but also supports our goals of developing eco-friendly transportation solutions. We are eager to continue our partnership with Mobility & Innovation Production s.r.o and strengthen it further through this successful collaboration. We firmly believe that, in the future, this partnership will deepen and contribute to the innovative solutions we develop in the industry.”
The results of Ford Trucks ’s utility vehicles in terms of quality, durability, and efficiency support their international product strategy based on reducing total operating costs. At Ford Trucks, they combine more than half a century of design and manufacturing experience with expertise in developing market-specific products to construct the main components of their vehicles, including brand new engines.
For Durapower, this collaboration marks the first milestone in supplying battery systems for a 44-ton fuel cell truck in Europe. Durapower is extremely proud to support such an innovative project, where its batteries have been fully integrated with the Eaton 4-speed gearbox, NPROXX 700 bar hydrogen tanks, and the efficient Refire fuel cell system.
NPROXX is a world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of Type 4 pressure vessels for high-pressure hydrogen storage. Based on 40 years of experience in manufacturing products and systems from carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) in various industries, NPROXX provides composite tank systems and custom solutions for a wide range of hydrogen storage applications.
The global TÜV SÜD’ network has 1,000 branches worldwide and employs 28,000 people. TÜV SÜD Czech was established in the 1990s and today employs 400 people. Its primary focus is to provide independent verification and certification of products and processes. It also designs solutions throughout the company’s lifecycle, regardless of the industry in which it operates.
“Our cooperation with Mobility & Innovation Production is long-term, and therefore we were invited to the hydrogen tractor project from the very beginning. We were able to comment on technical solutions from a regulatory perspective and guide the designers’ efforts in the right direction. As a result, the final homologation tests went smoothly” says Martin Hron, Director of the Mobility Division at TÜV SÜD Czech.
REFIRE Group is a hydrogen energy technology company with a complete value chain, offering complete ecosystems and catalyzing markets. The company supplies hydrogen production equipment, including electrolyzers and power transformers.
DRABPOL Automotive, established in 1983, provides innovative system solutions for truck, bus, and special vehicle manufacturers. Their “Electromobility with DRABPOL” program integrates electric and hydrogen propulsion systems with on-board electronics. They offer advanced propulsion control solutions from the DANA portfolio, meeting the highest customer standards. Their services include electrical design, manufacturing, software development, and compliance with ISO26262 and GSR regulations. DRABPOL is a reliable partner, ensuring stability and flexibility.
EATON is a power management company operating in over 175 countries. The company provides energy-efficient products and services to help customers manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power reliably and sustainably. Eaton empowers people to use power efficiently, supports sustainable business practices, and encourages employees to positively impact their communities and the world.