PIN21 Conference & Fuel Cell Drive: Paul Claims to Have Solved the Chicken-Egg Problem

At this year's Paul Innovation Network PIN21 Conference, Paul Group, MaierKorduletsch, and Shell – the partners of the Next Mobility Consortium – presented the final development and introduction of their H2 ecosystem. This includes the PH2P truck from Paul Group, the first series-ready hydrogen truck from Germany, Shell's "Pay-Per-Use" model, and the newly opened Mobility Hub from MaierKorduletsch with a comprehensive energy concept. They see this as a practical foundation for the fast, convenient, and planned implementation of sustainable transport logistics for freight forwarders and fleet operators. Over 300 participants from the industry listened to lectures and discussions about CO2 reduction, funding opportunities from state and federal governments, increasing requirements for CO2-free transport in cities, and how sustainable transport can contribute to image change.

Under the supremely confident claim "Chicken-Egg Problem? – We've solved it," the officials presented the joint project of the Maier & Korduletsch Group with their Mobility Hub/energy concept, Paul Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH with the hydrogen truck, and Shell with its hydrogen strategy and "Pay-Per-Use" model. The moderation was handled by BR presenter Caro Matzko.

“The Next Mobility Hub has two H2 dispensers with 350 bar and three lanes. An H2 truck can be refueled in 15 minutes, and up to 10 trucks can be supplied in succession (back to back) without waiting time. With two high-performance compressors, a cooling system, and appropriately sized storage, the hub represents the most powerful H2 refueling infrastructure in Germany," promoted Lorenz Maier, Managing Director of MaierKorduletsch.

This means that truck drivers and transporters would hardly need to change their habits and planning regarding refueling processes and duration compared to diesel vehicles, Maier promoted. Thanks to the digital networking of the truck and the dispenser, the refueling process runs quickly, safely, and cleanly, he further promised.

Fuel-Cell Truck has a range of 450 kilometers

As a series-ready, fundable, medium-weight hydrogen fuel cell truck with a total train weight of 24 tons, the truck offers a range of 450 kilometers. A horizontally installed hydrogen tank system holds 30 kilograms and can be fully refueled in 10 to 15 minutes. The truck consumes about 6.5 kilograms per 100 kilometers, has a top speed of 85 km/h, a continuous power of 120, and a peak power of 300 kilowatts. The vehicle is based on a Mercedes Atego 4x2 glider chassis, uses an 80-kW fuel cell from Toyota, a single-stage 120-kW drive from Voith with a continuous torque of 2800 Nm, and two 60-kW batteries. The truck weighs around 7,000 kg without a superstructure and offers 15 tons of permissible total weight.

“A year ago, we were able to present the pre-series vehicle, today the PH2P truck is on the road and the first customers are gaining experience in daily use. We are shaping the development of a technology in road freight transport, making hydrogen trucks a reality, and thus advancing the energy transition," promoted Bernhard Wasner, Managing Director of the Paul Group.

The core competencies remain, but Paul also continues to operate its dealership business with commercial vehicle trade and service in Passau and is committed to new mobility through alternative drive technologies and special vehicle conversions with Paul Nutzfahrzeuge in Vilshofen. Additionally, digital services from the Paul Academy with training and certifications in handling hydrogen and high voltage round off the offer. The motto is: "Transforming Trucking."