NUREMBERG, Germany, December 12, 2024 – The conversion of the series Actros from a conventional diesel vehicle to a hydrogen combustion truck with Keyou-Inside-Technology was carried out in collaboration with Paul Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH from Vilshofen. The 18-ton truck is based on a Mercedes Benz Actros chassis (4x2) and is equipped with a 7.8-liter Deutz six-cylinder in-line engine which, after conversion to hydrogen operation, generates an output of 210 kW (281 hp) and a maximum torque of 1,000 Nm. The Allison 3000 Series^TM fully automatic transmission is a technology that can not only be easily and quickly integrated into existing diesel vehicles, but is also characterized by exceptional reliability and durability.

“The handover of the first Keyou hydrogen truck from our pioneer fleet to EP-Trans is an important step towards emission-free logistics. Our technology not only offers an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel trucks, but also an economical one. By integrating the Allison fully automatic transmission, we achieve optimum performance,” said Jürgen Nadler, Chief Marketing Officer, Keyou GmbH.

Markus Pumpf, Managing Director of EP-Trans, explained, “From the outset, we were extremely interested in Keyou's technology and concept, as it was clear to us that electric trucks were not a viable option for our purposes.”

Georg Ehrlinger, also a Managing Director at EP-Trans, added, “We were looking for and found a solution that would enable us to make emission-free deliveries to our customers without compromising on range or efficiency and without having to deal with long recharging times. The converted H2 engine is based on a mature diesel engine platform, and we expect it to have the same high reliability and durability as a diesel engine.”

The 18-ton truck from Keyou is setting a new benchmark for sustainable truck technology. By combining the Keyou hydrogen engine, the powerful Allison 3000 R transmission and zero-emission technology, the vehicle will contribute to the decarbonization of the transport sector. It offers logistics companies such as EP-Trans a cost-effective and powerful solution that not only reduces CO₂ emissions, but also minimizes operating costs and noise emissions.

Allison fully automatic transmissions are fuel agnostic and enable optimal integration with several energy sources, from diesel to natural gas to hydrogen. They deliver durability and powerful performance to support sustainability goals without sacrificing fleet productivity and efficiency. Allison's power shift technology and torque converter significantly improve startability, drivability and overall productivity, offsetting the lower power and slower engine response often associated with alternative fuels.

“Allison transmissions offer exceptional flexibility and are designed to integrate seamlessly with different fuel types. The 3000 R transmission is a prime example of the adaptability of our technologies. It not only enhances the driveability and acceleration of the hydrogen truck, but also increases the energy efficiency and range of the vehicle. This integration demonstrates how crucial the choice of transmission is for the performance of hydrogen combustion engines,” said Christian Bock, Area Sales Manager, Allison Transmission.

According to Keyou, with an efficiency of up to 45%, the hydrogen combustion engine outperforms the latest diesel engines while reducing vehicle emissions. In terms of efficiency, the hydrogen truck performs at approximately the same level as a modern LNG truck. When compared to conventional diesel engines, vehicles with H2-ICE engines reduce CO₂ emissions by 99.7%. As a result, they are considered zero-emission vehicles in both the US and Europe and are therefore exempt from road tolls.