We spoke with SISU to discuss Pilot 1, exploring its key features, challenges, and ongoing development. Read all about it below!
Can you provide a general overview of your pilot and explain the specific requirements associated with it?
This pilot is designed to test a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle combination (truck and trailer) specifically developed for heavy-duty applications. Built on the robust SISU platform, the pilot will operate under real-world conditions, focusing on evaluating the vehicle’s efficiency, safety, and performance across diverse terrains and weather conditions, including winter.
The pilot’s specific requirements include testing the vehicle’s ability to achieve a range of up to 500 km, utilising a combination of hydrogen fuel and advanced battery systems. Rigorous testing will also be conducted to evaluate the vehicle’s performance in challenging environments, ensuring compliance with operational and safety standards.
A key aspect of the pilot involves integrating cutting-edge technology, such as a 59 kg hydrogen fuel cell and state-of-the-art battery systems, with SISU Polar model components to deliver both reliability and innovation.
What are the unique aspects of your pilot, and what makes it innovative for the long-haul truck sector?
This pilot is distinctive for its integration of cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology and advanced battery systems into the SISU platform, purpose-built for heavy-duty applications. Its innovative features include the vehicle’s capability to achieve a long range of up to 500 km by combining hydrogen and battery power, addressing the typical range limitations of hydrogen vehicles.
The integration of state-of-the-art battery technology with the hydrogen fuel cell marks a significant breakthrough for the long-haul truck sector, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for long-distance freight transport. Furthermore, the vehicle’s design incorporates advanced camera systems and robust chassis configurations to withstand severe winter conditions and tackle challenging terrains, establishing a new standard in heavy-duty trucking.
Why did you choose that route to test your truck?
The route for this pilot, determined by the end-user, runs along a major logistics corridor in Finland. It begins at Vuosaari Harbour in Helsinki, makes an intermediate stop in Tampere, and concludes at a distribution centre in Jyväskylä. This route was specifically chosen to evaluate the vehicle’s performance along one of Finland’s most critical logistical pathways.
By testing the vehicle over long distances and varied conditions, including winter weather, the route provides a thorough assessment of its efficiency, adaptability, and operational capabilities. These real-world logistics scenarios offer valuable insights into the vehicle’s practical applications within the freight sector.
What is the current status of the pilot?
The pilot is currently in its final preparation stages, with the vehicle combination undergoing testing and calibration ahead of its official launch. This process includes installing the latest battery technology and hydrogen fuel cell systems, as well as finalising the integration of advanced camera systems. Components from the SISU Polar model are being incorporated to ensure reliability.
It is set to begin in January 2024, with data collection and performance evaluations taking place over a six-month period. The focus will be on assessing operational efficiency, safety, and environmental impact.
What are the main takeaways from this pilot that you would highlight for the readers?
Regarding the vehicle, this pilot showcases the integration of hydrogen fuel cell technology with advanced battery systems in a heavy-duty truck, highlighting its potential as a sustainable solution for long-haul freight. One of the key challenges has been optimising the balance between hydrogen and battery power to achieve a practical range, while also ensuring reliable performance under harsh conditions. Our immediate next steps include completing final testing and refining operational protocols based on the data collected during the pilot.
The use case demonstrates the viability of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for long-distance logistics, addressing both environmental and operational concerns. Managing vehicle performance across varied terrains and weather conditions, including winter, provides invaluable insights that will guide future deployments and infrastructure planning. It’s clear that reliability and adaptability are critical in ensuring these vehicles perform effectively in real-world scenarios.
Last but not least, the pilot has highlighted the vital role of robust refuelling and recharging infrastructure to support hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Such infrastructure is essential for achieving the desired range and maintaining operational efficiency. Throughout this pilot, we are focusing on evaluating existing infrastructure capabilities and identifying necessary improvements to enable the wider adoption of hydrogen-powered long-haul trucks.
Any other comments?
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