Hydrogen Combustion Under Real-World Conditions: IAV and DEUTZ Put 18-Ton Trucks on the Road

H₂ Technology Proven in Real-World Operation

The HyCET (Hydrogen Combustion Engine Trucks) project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Transport (BMV), has a clear objective: establishing hydrogen combustion as a robust solution for heavy-duty freight transport.

At the core of the project are two 18-ton trucks based on the Daimler Econic platform, equipped with advanced hydrogen engines from DEUTZ. Together with partners Paul Nutzfahrzeuge and Voith, IAV demonstrates that hydrogen propulsion is ready to meet the demanding requirements of daily logistics operations.

IAV: From Concept to Road Approval

As the general contractor, IAV served as the technological backbone of the project. The key challenge was comprehensive system integration:

• Powertrain transformation: Conversion to highly efficient hydrogen combustion
• Complex integration: Implementation of the tank system and coordination of all components
• Safety & certification: Full validation and securing official road approval

IAV ensured that high-tech individual components were transformed into a reliable overall vehicle capable of performing under real-world conditions.

“We see ourselves as a Tech Solution Provider that delivers exactly the solutions our customers need – regardless of the propulsion technology. HyCET shows how we can bring new powertrain concepts from idea to application. The fact that these vehicles are now approved and operating on public roads is a testament to the strong integration capabilities of our powertrain team.”
– Jörg Astalosch, CEO, IAV

Rethinking Propulsion – Acting Systemically

The success of HyCET highlights that modern propulsion technologies only work as part of a broader system. Vehicles, refueling infrastructure, and operational use cases must be closely aligned.

IAV leverages decades of experience in powertrain development and combines it with system-level understanding and software expertise. The result is not a standalone solution, but a functional ecosystem for heavy-duty transport.

“With deployment in our own internal logistics, we are taking the decisive step from development to real-world application. What matters to us is reliability in day-to-day operations while reducing CO₂ emissions. HyCET proves that hydrogen combustion is a powerful and practical solution for the logistics of tomorrow.”
– Bert van Hasselt, CEO Business Unit NewTech, DEUTZ

A Strong Signal for Heavy-Duty Transport

Hydrogen combustion engines are an ideal complement to battery-electric and fuel cell technologies – especially in applications requiring high payloads and fast refueling.

Classified as zero-emission vehicles, they can play a key role in meeting future CO₂ regulations. With the start of real-world operations at DEUTZ and BMW, IAV once again demonstrates its role as an enabler of future-proof mobility.