Bosch Introduces Its First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck for Green Logistics at Nuremberg Plant

Hydrogen-powered transport takes a leap forward at Bosch’s Nuremberg plant

In a promising shift toward greener logistics, Bosch has integrated an electric truck powered by a hydrogen fuel cell into the daily operations of its Nuremberg manufacturing plant. This move not only underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation but also serves as a testbed for expanding the use of hydrogen technology in industrial haulage.

The vehicle and its cutting-edge powertrain

The truck, an Iveco model, is equipped with Bosch’s proprietary Fuel Cell Power Module (FCPM), a technology recently nominated for the prestigious German President’s Future Prize. This hydrogen-electric stack converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and water, enabling the 40-ton vehicle to operate entirely on electric power. Thanks to renewable hydrogen fuel, the truck’s powertrain is effectively carbon-neutral, making it a shining example of climate-friendly freight solutions.

One of the performance highlights is its impressive range: up to 800 kilometers on a single fill, which is remarkable for heavy-duty transport vehicles. The truck’s five hydrogen tanks hold a total of 70 kilograms of fuel under 700-bar pressure, delivering a system output exceeding 200 kilowatts and a total power capacity of 400 kilowatts. This robust output supports a gross vehicle weight of up to 44 metric tonnes.

Operational insights and logistics benefits

The truck, run by the transport company Schäflein on behalf of Bosch and leased through Hylane—a specialist in zero-emission trucks—primarily handles freight within Bosch’s own manufacturing ecosystem. It’s slated to cover approximately 12,000 kilometers annually, replacing traditional diesel-powered haulage and thus substantially cutting CO₂ emissions from material deliveries inside the plant.

Notably, the fast refueling time matches that of conventional diesel trucks, eliminating typical electric vehicle downtime due to long battery charges. Additionally, unlike battery-electric trucks whose range can drop in cold weather, this hydrogen vehicle maintains consistent performance regardless of external temperatures.

Gathering critical data for future technologies

Beyond emission reductions, this deployment acts as a vital platform to accumulate real-world operating data for refining the next generations of Bosch’s fuel cell technologies, such as future Compact 190 and Compact 300 systems. Bosch’s Nuremberg facility director highlighted that trouble-free operations of this pilot truck indicate that the fuel cell powertrain is ready for mass production, provided there is ample affordable hydrogen and supporting refueling infrastructure.

The drive toward a hydrogen economy

Bosch is actively collaborating with industrial partners in the greater Nuremberg metropolitan area to help build an efficient value chain for hydrogen, aligning with Bavaria’s Hydrogen Strategy 2.0. The intent is to foster a sustainable ecosystem that supports both supply and demand for hydrogen fuel, a key ingredient for a successful hydrogen economy.

The fuel cell modules powering the truck are produced in Bosch’s German plants—fuel cells in Bamberg and components like electric air compressors and recirculation fans in Homburg. The large-scale production of the FCPM kicked off mid-2023 in Stuttgart-Feuerbach, marking a milestone in making clean-energy logistics more accessible.

Advantages for logistics and environmental impact

• Zero tailpipe emissions: The only output is water vapor, drastically lowering environmental footprint.
• Fast refueling: Operational downtime minimized, improving fleet efficiency.
• Consistent performance: Unaffected by temperature fluctuations unlike battery-electric vehicles.
• Long range: Extended travel distance supports demanding freight schedules without frequent stops.
• Επεκτασιμότητα: The technology is prepared for mass production and integration into broader transport fleets.

What this means for the future of freight transport

The deployment of hydrogen fuel cell trucks like Bosch’s in industrial environments heralds a transformative chapter for logistics. With pressure mounting to reduce carbon outputs and urban emissions, clean-powered freight vehicles offer a practical bridge between fossil fuel dependency and fully electrified fleets.

Hydrogen’s potential to combine clean operation with heavy-duty performance and fast refueling makes it especially suited for long-haul and bulky goods transport—areas where conventional batteries still struggle with weight and range. For large-scale goods movement, from bulky furniture to vehicles and heavy machinery, hydrogen could unlock new efficiencies and environmental gains.

Real-world testing: the gift that keeps on giving

While glowing reviews and encouraging data paint a bright picture, the true test of this technology lies in lived experience on the logistics front lines. The best feedback comes from day-to-day operations, where costs, reliability, and efficiency are all put to the test. Fortunately, platforms like GetTransport.com empower users to tap into a wide variety of transport solutions, including those powered by emerging eco-friendly technologies like hydrogen.

By offering transparent pricing and a broad network for cargo transportation—ranging from household moves to industrial freight—GetTransport.com helps logistics planners and businesses make savvy choices without breaking the bank or rolling the dice on unproven methods. The convenience and affordability of this platform are game changers in adapting to the evolving landscape of shipping and transport.

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Looking ahead: impact on global logistics

While the introduction of hydrogen trucks at a single plant may seem like a drop in the ocean globally, it’s a strong signal that clean logistics solutions are moving from theory to practice. Momentum like this ripples through supply chains worldwide, urging fleet operators, suppliers, and infrastructure developers to prepare for a new energy era.

GetTransport.com stays tuned to these trends, ensuring it offers its users transport options that keep pace with breakthroughs and meet growing demands for eco-responsible shipments. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with confidence on GetTransport.com.

Final thoughts

Bosch’s pioneering deployment of its hydrogen fuel cell truck in the Nuremberg plant marks a significant stride in sustainable logistics and freight transport. With zero emissions, rapid refueling, and practical range, hydrogen fuel cells provide a compelling alternative for heavy-duty transport tasks. This innovation not only reduces environmental impact but also paves the way for scalable, reliable solutions in cargo, pallet, and bulky goods haulage.

As logistics evolves, integrating new powertrain technologies into everyday operations becomes crucial for achieving emission goals and operational efficiency. Platforms like GetTransport.com are ideally positioned to support this evolution, providing cost-effective, transparent, and versatile cargo transport services worldwide—including big items like vehicles and housemoves—making it easier than ever to embrace the future of freight.