Keyou reveals new hydrogen ICE test vehicles

Keyou 18-tonne truck prototype, using Daimler Actros chassis Photo: Keyou

Hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) specialist Keyou has unveiled an 18-tonne truck and 12-metre city bus fitted with the German company’s latest H2 ICE engines.

Based on an existing diesel engine block, the H2 engines further include the proprietary Keyou-inside system, which will feature across all further engine variants.

Both prototype vehicles use a 7.8-litre hydrogen engine developed by Keyou. The 18-tonne truck is based on a Daimler Actros chassis, with integration work covering marriage of the engine and chassis completed by Paul Nutzfahrzeuge.

Following the receipt of type approval for use on public roads in the summer, test drives will be scheduled in and around Keyou’s base in Munich.

Paul Nutzfahrzeuge also completed the engine and chassis marriage for the 12-metre bus. It is different from the truck application in that the bus uses a mild hybrid powertrain set up.

In both applications, the technology was required to meet or exceed operating parameters of a benchmark diesel equivalent. This includes price, range, robustness and suitability for use.

Both vehicles offer a range of more than 500 km. Developing 210 kW, the engines remain below the zero-emissions limits as defined by the EU in WHTC (World Harmonized Transient Cycle) tests. In addition, they comply with Euro 6 emissions standards without any additional exhaust aftertreatment systems.

Total operating costs are said to be equivalent to diesel, with the same level of functionality.

“So you can say customers get a zero-emission vehicle at a comparable price to a diesel vehicle without having to make any sacrifices,” said Thomas Korn, CEO and co-founder of Keyou.

Keyou 12-metre bus prototype Photo: Keyou

Keyou reports that it has been developing H2 tech, components and combustion processes since 2015. The company will not produce finished vehicles, but instead will focus on further conversion projects to test the hydrogen engine tech.

The Keyou prototype vehicles fitted with hydrogen internal combustion engines will be first shown at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover, Germany in September.