(Cologne / Germany) – The ACV Automobil-Club Verkehr eV has put a fuel cell-powered tow truck into service. After "a good six months of planning and construction," the vehicle is now on the road with the Cologne-based ACV partner LS Pannenservice.
With 30 kilograms of hydrogen in six tanks, the H2 truck has a theoretical range of up to 450 kilometers. © ACV
The basis is the PH2P truck from Paul Nutzfahrzeuge, built on a Mercedes Atego 4x2 chassis. According to the manufacturer, it is powered by an 80-kilowatt fuel cell (Toyota) and a 200-kilowatt central drive (Voith). For towing operations, Wellmeyer Fahrzeugbau has fitted a hydraulic sliding platform with a four-ton payload capacity. The permissible gross vehicle weight when towing a trailer is 24 tons. With 30 kilograms of hydrogen in six tanks, the H2 truck has a theoretical range of up to 450 kilometers. Refueling takes approximately 15 minutes, comparable to a diesel truck.
Scientific support provided by TH Cologne
The ACV (Automobile Club of Germany) is having the Institute for Automotive Engineering at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences scientifically monitor the pilot project for one year. The aim is to demonstrate how low-emission drive technologies perform under real-world conditions in breakdown and towing assistance.
There are several million towing operations in Germany every year. According to the ACV (German Automobile Club), the vehicles travel up to 400 kilometers daily – often unplanned, frequently at night, and always under time pressure. Hydrogen technology is "particularly suitable for high mileage, short downtimes, and flexible operating profiles." Battery-electric alternatives, on the other hand, could "reach their practical limits in 24/7 operation due to currently longer charging times."
Information about the pilot project can be found on the ACV website.
Photo above
The ACV Automobile Club has put a fuel cell-powered tow truck into service. © ACV
