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Bosch has advanced its climate-friendly logistics initiatives by deploying one of its own products at its Nuremberg plant. The facility has started using a fuel-cell electric truck for plant traffic, a vehicle equipped with the company’s proprietary Bosch fuel-cell power module (FCPM).
Key Highlights
- Bosch’s Nuremberg plant is now operating a hydrogen-powered truck for internal logistics.
- The truck is equipped with Bosch’s own fuel-cell power module technology.
- The vehicle deployment is designed to reduce emissions and gather data for future development.
- The 40-ton truck offers a range of up to 800 kilometers and short refueling times.
Advancing Climate-Neutral Logistics
The deployment represents a significant building block in Bosch’s efforts to reduce emissions in its logistics operations. Alexander Weichsel, the commercial plant manager in Nuremberg, stated it was a clear choice to use a truck featuring the company’s FCPM. The 40-ton vehicle operates entirely on electricity generated from converting hydrogen and oxygen into water. When using renewable hydrogen, the truck’s powertrain is considered climate neutral. This initiative also supports the development of a hydrogen value chain in line with Bavaria’s Hydrogen Strategy 2.0.
Real-World Data for Future Development
The Iveco truck is operated by freight forwarder Schäflein and rented from Hylane, a provider specializing in emissions-free vehicles. The truck is projected to cover 12,000 kilometers annually, transporting products from the plant’s manufacturing operations and significantly reducing Bosch’s emissions compared to a diesel alternative.
A primary goal of this deployment is to gather extensive experience and data. This information will be used for the further development of future powertrain systems, including the Compact 190 and Compact 300 models. Weichsel expressed optimism, noting that problem-free operation demonstrates the fuel cell’s readiness for volume production. He also emphasized the need for an abundant supply of affordable hydrogen and an adequate H2 infrastructure.
Vehicle Specifications and Performance
This project marks the first time Bosch has put its own system into real-world operation in Europe. The truck’s five tanks hold up to 70 kilograms of hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bar. The fuel-cell system delivers over 200 kilowatts of total output, powering an e-axle. Two battery packs serve as energy storage, contributing to a total system output of 400 kilowatts.
The truck has a gross weight rating of up to 44 metric tons. Key advantages include its long range, which is unaffected by outside temperature, and refueling times comparable to diesel trucks.
Commitment to the Hydrogen Economy
The FCPM is produced on a large scale in Stuttgart-Feuerbach, with the Bosch plant in Bamberg supplying the fuel-cell stack and the Homburg plant providing other key components. Bosch continues to develop technical solutions for the production, infrastructure, and application of hydrogen. The company recently entered the market with its Hybrion PEM electrolysis stacks and is also active in developing hydrogen engines.
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