A retailer-backed hydrogen vehicle project is undertaking its first real-world pilot in the Netherlands.
Logistics company Breytner will test a 27-tonne hydrogen fuel vehicle in retail logistics tasks, such as replenishing stores and supplying last mile operations, in a three-month trial.
It will operate the vehicle across six locations in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. The vehicle was designed by manufacturer VDL and will use a mobile refuelling station from Wystrach, allowing it to refuel at any given location.
The trial is part of H2-Share, a project involving retailer Colruyt and courier DHL, which aims to create a market in hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles.
Once the trial is complete other members of the partnership will test the vehicle elsewhere.
Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, secretary general of hydrogen industry body Hydrogen Europe, said: “Currently Europe is facing an unprecedented crisis.
“Our economy will be greatly affected and hydrogen, as innovative technology, can plan a crucial role in supporting the post-COVID 19 recovery plan while complying with the EU Green Deal.
“With the deployment of the H2Share truck, we have tangible evidence that hydrogen fuel cell technology is ready today to play its part”.
Colruyt is also taking part in H2Haul, another hydrogen vehicle project, which involves French supermarket chain Carrefour.
