The trucks will be converted in the company’s dual fuel workshop in Antwerp, with the goal of delivering the first trucks in 2023 and to further scaling up the concept.
The collaboration will be crucial in the transportation industry's transition towards greener alternatives. As a result of this partnership, customers will likely have quick access to hydrogen solutions that will be instrumental in ushering in a more environmentally friendly era in the sector.
CMB.TECH will be responsible for the conversion of the trucks to dual fuel hydrogen trucks using its extensive hydrogen knowledge and expertise. Thanks to the proven reliability of the Ford F-Max trucks, the company can focus entirely on integrating the new dual fuel technology. The conversion process requires no adjustments to the traditional diesel engine, only a hydrogen injection ring is added to the airline, making the concept highly scalable. With dual fuel technology, hydrogen is aspirated into the combustion chamber, requiring less diesel injection to power the engine.
The conversion process starts with the mounting of the hydrogen tanks on the trucks and the installation of an injection ring on the engine. Next, the engine control unit is installed. Thereafter, the quality control and validation of the dual fuel hydrogen trucks take place. The conversion to hydrogen can reduce traditional fuel usage and associated emissions, while keeping a diesel backup solution for those moments when hydrogen refuelling is not possible.
While dual fuel technology is only a short-term fix, this collaboration will allow the deployment of hydrogen-powered trucks throughout many continents, including Europe, ahead of the widespread adoption of mono-fuel hydrogen ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) motor and FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) technologies.
“The concept we worked on is simple and has the potential to scale up massively” said Roy Campe CTO of CMB.TECH. “We can use their trucks which can be modified in three days at any dual fuel workshop. Together with Ford Trucks, we are ready to scale up further throughout Europe by bringing a low-carbon, affordable and robust solution for heavy-duty long-haul road transport.”
The partnership marks a significant step towards the development of hydrogen technology in the truck manufacturing industry. With both companies’ expertise, the collaboration aims to contribute to the energy transition’s innovative demands.
Image: CMB.TECH & Ford Trucks partnership - from left to right: Roy Campe - Ludovic Saverys - Burak Hosgören - Bahadır Koç
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