Helsinki – Jyvaskyli – Helsinki
This pilot, part of the EU ESCALATE project, will test a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle combination (truck and trailer) built on the robust SISU platform, designed specifically for heavy-duty applications. The combination will operate on a pre-defined route, collecting data on efficiency, safety, and performance in real-world conditions, including challenging winter environments. Advanced camera systems will assist the driver in navigation and decision-making.
Main objectives
Challenge: The challenge is to demonstrate the vehicle combination’s ability to operate safely and efficiently across diverse and harsh conditions, including winter weather. Additionally, ensuring seamless integration with existing logistics infrastructure is crucial.
Innovation: The vehicle combination features a SISU platform with heavy-duty axle configurations and is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell system alongside the latest battery technology. It supports rapid charging with a maximum power of 1000 kW, enabling efficient operation in demanding environments.
Range: The vehicle combination is capable of achieving a range of up to 500 km thanks to its advanced battery systems and hydrogen fuel cell technology. It will be tested across diverse terrains, including winter conditions, to assess its adaptability and efficiency.
The 6-month-long pilot will run from January until June 2024.
Vehicle:
Vehicle: The hydrogen fuel cell vehicle combination utilizes a SISU platform designed for heavy-duty conditions, with advanced camera systems to assist the driver. The combination includes a truck and trailer with a Ballard fuel cell system, featuring a 59kg hydrogen capacity, advanced battery systems with the latest technology, and supporting a maximum charging power of 1000 kW.
Components:
Fuel Cell: Ballard fuel cell with a 59 kg hydrogen capacity.
Battery: Latest battery technology for enhanced energy storage and efficiency.
Charging: Maximum charging power of 1000 kW. Danfoss dual motors and inverters. Components are sourced from the existing SISU Polar model, ensuring reliability and integration with proven technology.
Energy: The vehicle combination operates on a hydrogen fuel cell system combined with state-of-the-art battery technology, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing emissions. It supports rapid refueling with a maximum charging power of 1000 kW and features regenerative braking to enhance energy efficiency.
Charging & Refueling: The vehicle supports rapid refueling with a maximum charging power of 1000 kW and features regenerative braking to enhance energy efficiency.
Key Performance Indicators:
Measure fuel savings and route optimization relative to traditional diesel truck and trailer combinations. Assess improvements in delivery times and operational costs, particularly in winter conditions.
Evaluate the combination’s safety in various traffic scenarios, including winter conditions. Monitor the frequency of safety interventions and near-misses.
Assess the reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional truck and trailer combinations. Measure hydrogen consumption and battery efficiency, comparing it to industry benchmarks and considering performance in harsh weather.
Route:
Start: Vuosaari Harbour in Helsinki (FI)
Intermediate stop: The vehicle combination will stop at a logistics hub in Tampere for unloading and reloading, allowing for efficiency testing and performance evaluation in a mid-route scenario, including winter conditions.
Finish: Distribution center in Jyväskylä (FI)
German Route: Stuttgart – Flensburg
Great Britain Route: Cwmbran – Dundee
Technical Aspects About This Pilot
The pilot will evaluate the truck and trailer combination’s performance in varying weather conditions and traffic scenarios, with a focus on winter performance and heavy-duty applications.
The route covers urban, suburban, and rural areas, including challenging winter conditions, to test the vehicle combination’s adaptability and efficiency in different environments.
Assess how well the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle combination integrates with existing logistics operations, evaluating its performance in harsh weather and its impact on overall efficiency and workflow.