Hydrogen-powered trucks ready for volume production, but lack adequate infrastructure
German engineering and technology company Bosch has put its first hydrogen-powered truck into operation at its service plant in Nuremberg, marking a significant step in low-carbon logistics.
The 40-t Iveco vehicle, equipped with the Bosch developed fuel cell power module, stores up to 70kg of hydrogen in five tanks at 700-bar pressure and delivers more than 200kW of power through its fuel cell system. Supported by an integrated “e-axle” and two battery packs for short-term power boosts, the truck achieves a total system output of around 400 kW and a driving range of up to 800km—comparable to conventional diesel vehicles.
The launch is designed to show that hydrogen technology can offer a practical path toward reducing emissions in heavy-duty transport. Unlike battery-electric trucks, which face challenges with weight, range, and long charging times, fuel-cell trucks can refuel quickly and maintain performance under heavy loads or in cold conditions.
When powered by hydrogen produced from renewable sources, the system operates with near-zero carbon emissions. Bosch is also using this deployment as a live test to gather operational data for refining its next-generation fuel-cell modules, which are already being produced in facilities across Germany.
The Nuremberg rollout is supported by a growing hydrogen infrastructure. New refuelling stations in the region include facilities opened by TEAL Mobility, a joint venture of TotalEnergies and Air Liquide. The project also ties into Bavaria’s Hydrogen Strategy 2.0, linking local production, distribution, and use.
Alexander Weichsel, Bosch's commercial plant manager in Nuremberg, said, “The fact we’ve had no problems operating this truck shows that the fuel cell is ready for volume production. The key to a successful hydrogen economy is above all to ensure an abundance of affordable hydrogen and put in place an adequate hydrogen infrastructure. We’re actively working with industrial partners in the Nuremberg metropolitan region to implement Bavaria’s hydrogen strategy.”