The German branch of logistics service provider GLS has presented the first results of a practical test with the Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell, a hydrogen-powered truck distribution.
The Xcient Fuel Cell has a tank capacity of 31 kilograms of hydrogen, which allows it to travel up to 380 kilometers per tank. Up to 1,300 packages can be transported per trip. The vehicle is refueled at public gas stations in Wesseling and Frechen. In collaboration with the GLS partner company Recht Logistik and the rental company Hylane is used on the main route and for collecting packages from customers. The vehicle now has traveled more than 8,500 kilometers and transported almost 50,000 packages with zero emissions.
Holger Immen, Chief Compliance and Sustainability Officer GLS Group, sees the first experiences as a success: “As the GLS Group, we are currently testing alternative, low-emission drive types with our companies and network partners in more than 20 European countries as well as in Canada and the US. In addition to the growing number of electric vehicles in local transport, with which we deliver our packages our day on the last kilometer, the focus is shifting increasingly long-distance transport innovations with and pilot projects. The first vehicles are already committed in regular operations. For GLS Germany, the deployment of the first hydrogen truck is a new milestone in the implementation of the Klima Protect sustainability strategy.”
Vehicle will be deployed nationally
Regional manager Gero Lie alsobig emphasizes that the experience gained locally is valuable for the GLS network. He lists the advantages and disadvantages of the Hyundai: “The hydrogen truck is very quiet in use, making night deliveries always, possible in densely populated areas. The perfect coordination of the steering and ensures suspension a pleasant driving experience, which has a positive effect on the driver’s stress and health.”
However, due to the time-refueling process of up to 15 minutes and the still limited availability of refueling facilities, Liebig points out that more planning is needed in daily practice. He also points to the lack of long-term experience with hydrogen technology. Liebig is full of motivation: “But that is what is what we are working on now.” While the hydrogen car is still used in North Rhine-Westphalia, the routes should be expanded to the whole of Germany in the near future.
GLS is prioritizing the avoidance of emissions and the use of zero/low-emission vehicles as it implements the company’s own sustainability strategy, Climate Protect. Greenhouse gas emissions in the GLS business area must be avoided as much possible as 2045. The number of zero and low-emission vehicles in the German GLS fleet which deliver parcels in a sustainable manner every day in more than 200 currently, is more than 700. This number will increase to approximately 900 vehicles by the end of the current financial year.
Source: GLS Germany Showcases Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell Truck in Hydrogen Distribution Test
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