It was at the Hyvolution show that Hyliko unveiled, on February 1, 2023, its first hydrogen truck, designed on the basis of a retrofitted Renault Trucks chassis. The subsidiary of the Kouros group took advantage of the event to announce the opening of its center of excellence.
Hyliko presented its first range of hydrogen carriers and tractors intended for road freight transport uses at Hyvolution.
General Manager ofHyliko, Ovarith Troeung was clear: 2023 will be the year of action for the company created in the bosom of the Kouros investment fund. Born in 2021, the company, which intends to offer the first hydrogen mobility platform, has lifted the veil on its first vehicle, which inaugurates its “First Edition” range.
Presented at the Hyvolution show (1er and February 2, 2023 at Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles), this 44-tonne tractor – called Hy T44 – is based on a retrofitted Renault Trucks chassis.
Launch of the First Edition range
To develop this vehicle, Hyliko, in partnership with GreenGT, replaced the entire propulsion unit with a hydrogen fuel cell system. The truck carries two fuel cells with a total power of 160 kW, a Plastic Omnium hydrogen tank with a storage capacity of 40 kg and Forsee Power batteries with a power of 60 kWh. All this guarantees engine power of 350 kW for an estimated range of up to 400 km at 350 bar (900 km at 700 bar).
To meet the multiple needs of freight transport, Hyliko has also developed a second model, the Hy T26. This 26-ton carrier will be able to benefit from several bodies: van, fridge, flatbed, tipper or crane.
“Our First Edition range aims to cover the main uses of heavy mobility by combining operational performance and reliability. With key partnerships forged with bodybuilders and major industrial groups, we contribute to the development of the hydrogen and industrial sectors on the national territory.“, adds Ovarith Troeung.
Approvals expected this summer
These prototypes unveiled by Hyliko have already won over several customers. Among them is Point P, which next September will inherit a 26 t rigid with a crane flatbed. In December, the construction materials distributor’s fleet will be enriched with a 44 t tractor. Another major partnership forged by the operator: the Berto group has undertaken to gradually launch some 230 hydrogen trucks over the next few years.
Lionel Bertuit and Ovarith Troeung, mobility director and general manager of Hyliko.
“By the end of the year, four pre-series models will be on the road and will enable us to obtain our first homologations. We hope to get them before the end of the summer“, precise Lionel Bertuit, Mobility Director of Hyliko. In 2024, the operator is aiming for around 60 start-ups and then 6,000 by 2030.
If the Kouros subsidiary has therefore favored the retrofit route for its first hydrogen trucks, it intends, however, to rely in the long term on the manufacturers’ offer to develop its solution. “We are in advanced discussions with several manufacturers to have access to their chassis and thus allow our customers to benefit from a wider offer.“, confirms Lionel Bertuit.
A center of excellence in Villabé for Hyliko
Promising announcements that support the model developed by Hyliko. Remember that the company intends to offer a turnkey offer combining the leasing and maintenance of trucks as well as the supply of “green” hydrogen thanks to the thermolysis of biomass. A network of stations supplied locally with biomass residues or agricultural residues, collected within a radius of 100 km, will ensure the production of this hydrogen.
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Adapted to all tank technologies for hydrogen vehicles, with distribution pressures of 350 bars and 700 bars, these units meet the most demanding standards in terms of safety. To guarantee hydrogen refueling, Hyliko plans to establish agreements with other hydrogen station operators, and thus offer the most extensive network to transporters.
By 2030, Hyliko aims to deploy around sixty green hydrogen production and distribution centers in Europe. To inaugurate this network, Hyliko has targeted Greater Paris, and more specifically Villabé (91), where its first production station will therefore see the light of day. Operational from mid-2024, the unit will take place in a center of excellence dedicated to hydrogen heavy mobility. This site, covering an area of two hectares, will also house a vehicle exhibition space as well as a technical training center for partners.
