(Zwickau, Germany) – FES GmbH Fahrzeug-Entwicklung Sachsen has unveiled a roughly 9,3-meter-long truck powered by a fuel cell. The vehicle, with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 18 tons, is ready for series production and can be pre-ordered shortly. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2025.
Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (left) with FES Managing Director Christian Schwamberger at the presentation of the new fuel cell truck in Zwickau. © FES GmbH Fahrzeug-Entwicklung Sachsen
Depending on customer requirements, other technical configurations are also possible in terms of both the total weight and the superstructure. The range extends from twelve to 26 tons, the payload options from 7,1 to 13,5 tons. According to the company, the electric dual-motor drive train delivers 280 kilowatts (380 hp), and a "boost" enables 30 kilowatts (308 hp) for around 420 seconds.
The tank system is independent of the body and also allows for special bodies. The hydrogen tank made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) holds 33 kilograms at 700 bar (350 bar optional), and the range with one filling is around 500 kilometers.
Without government subsidies
The development was carried out "completely from our own resources without any state funding," says FES Managing Director Christian Schwamberger. A successful mobility transition requires a homogeneous mix of alternative drive types. "Hydrogen is a real alternative to the combustion engine, especially for freight transport."
“Such projects are essential to position Saxony as a leader in modern vehicle development and at the same time make an important contribution to environmental protection,” emphasised Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer when presenting the model.
Founded in 1992, FES GmbH says it has around 850 employees and offers "solutions for complete vehicle development for national and international automobile manufacturers, suppliers, and the rail and aviation industries." Its products include both battery- and fuel cell-powered vehicles, including, since 2021, what FES calls the "world's smallest fuel cell system" for autonomous intralogistics vehicles (FEScell), which is already being used at the BMW plant in Leipzig.
FES has locations in Wolfsburg, Munich and Ingolstadt and is part of the Volke Group, founded in 1968 and headquartered in Wolfsburg. The developer for the automotive and automotive supply industry, for mechanical and plant engineering and the aircraft industry has 3.400 employees.
Photo above
FES has presented an 18-ton truck with fuel cell drive that it developed itself. © FES GmbH Fahrzeug-Entwicklung Sachsen
