VeH2Dem Project

By incorporating hydrogen fuel cell technology, VeH2Dem addresses the critical challenges of reducing emissions and dependence on fossil fuels in essential urban services.

The project contributes directly to the European Union's environmental objectives by providing a zero-emission solution for heavy-duty urban vehicles that traditionally rely on diesel engines. This pioneering partnership approach aligns with both the European Green Deal and initiatives to promote clean hydrogen as a key element in the transition towards climate neutrality.

Applus+ IDIADA's Contribution

Applus+ IDIADA plays a pivotal role in the VeH2Dem project, leveraging its extensive expertise in automotive engineering and sustainable mobility solutions. Our contributions to this transformative project include:

Technical Leadership and Coordination

• System Design and Component Sizing: Applus+ IDIADA provides expertise in virtual integration, system architecture, and critical dimensioning of all FCEV components, optimizing hydrogen fuel cell technology with the vehicle's powertrain to meet the specific operational requirements of waste collection vehicles, ensuring optimal efficiency, performance, and reliability.
• Engineering Optimization: Our team has provided crucial engineering expertise in adapting vehicle architecture to accommodate hydrogen storage, fuel cell systems, and electrical components while maintaining operational functionality.

Performance Testing and Validation

• Comprehensive Testing Programs: Development and implementation of specialized testing protocols to validate vehicle performance under real-world waste collection operating conditions.
• Safety Assessment: Rigorous evaluation of all safety aspects related to the hydrogen systems, ensuring compliance with the highest international standards.
• Vehicle Calibration: Our engineers handle the comprehensive calibration of the FCEV, optimizing the interaction between all systems to maximize efficiency, performance, and reliability in real-world operations.

Environmental Impact Analysis

• Emissions Reduction Quantification: Detailed assessment of the environmental benefits achieved through hydrogen application in urban service vehicles.
• Total Cost of Ownership Analysis: Evaluation of the comprehensive economic aspects throughout the vehicle's operational life, as a focused component within the broader project scope.

Project Outcomes

The VeH2Dem prototype demonstrates that hydrogen technology offers a viable alternative for urban service vehicles with demanding operational requirements. Key achievements include:

• Zero tailpipe emissions during operation
• Refueling times comparable to conventional vehicles
• Sufficient range to complete daily collection routes
• Operational performance matching traditional diesel-powered counterparts

Future Perspectives

The successful development of the VeH2Dem prototype serves as a foundation for future applications of hydrogen technology in other urban service vehicles. Applus+ IDIADA continues to build upon this knowledge to advance sustainable mobility solutions for cities worldwide, reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship and technological innovation.

The VeH2Dem project receives funding from the European Union's Next Generation EU program through the IDAE (Support Programs for the Innovative Renewable Hydrogen Value Chain within the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan). This funding demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation systems.