When is the right time to start a pilot project with a hydrogen vehicle?
Not sure if hydrogen propulsion is right for your business? Start testing – not buying right away.
The transition to zero-emission transport is not just about replacing technology. It is also a strategic decision that affects day-to-day operations, planning and investment.
That is why many companies are hesitant:
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, a pilot project is the ideal choice. You don’t have to commit right away – you can check everything out first.
Pilot means short-term testing in real operation to help you understand:
METRANS started testing the hydrogen tractor directly in container transport in June.
The driver, the load, the route – everything runs as in standard logistics. Without simulations. Without laboratories.
This gives them real data on range, efficiency and logistics integration.
We recommend a pilot project if:
The main benefit of the pilot project is that:
Hydrogen technology is ready. The question is – are you ready?
If you are still deciding, you don’t need a commitment. Just start testing.
The pilot will show you what your fleet can do today – and what it needs to be ready for tomorrow.
Companies want to innovate – but not at any cost
The transition to zero-emission transport is not just about replacing technology. It is also a strategic decision that affects day-to-day operations, planning and investment.
That is why many companies are hesitant:
- Is the infrastructure even ready?
- Will the overall costs be manageable?
- Can the new technology handle our routes and loads?
Pilot project as a smart start
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, a pilot project is the ideal choice. You don’t have to commit right away – you can check everything out first.
Pilot means short-term testing in real operation to help you understand:
- energy consumption,
- operating cycles,
- Infrastructure readiness,
- feedback from the team and drivers.
Case in point: METRANS tests in live operation
METRANS started testing the hydrogen tractor directly in container transport in June.
The driver, the load, the route – everything runs as in standard logistics. Without simulations. Without laboratories.
This gives them real data on range, efficiency and logistics integration.
When does a pilot make the most sense?
We recommend a pilot project if:
- You are considering the introduction of emission-free technology, but need to verify it first,
- you are planning to use public or ESG funding,
- looking for a specific project for your sustainability report,
- or you need to convince management with data, not promises.
What does the pilot bring?
The main benefit of the pilot project is that:
- get real data from your operation,
- verify your infrastructure and logistical setup,
- you will check the cooperation of the teams and the training of the drivers,
- you can accurately calculate the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership),
- and, most importantly, you’ll gain confidence before investing in a bigger solution.
Conclusion
Hydrogen technology is ready. The question is – are you ready?
If you are still deciding, you don’t need a commitment. Just start testing.
The pilot will show you what your fleet can do today – and what it needs to be ready for tomorrow.
Want to learn more about the pilot testing?
We also recommend these blogs:
- How your company can go carbon-free in 5 steps
- 10 benefits of hydrogen propulsion for logistics
- How hydrogen technology is changing freight transport