Akkodis and EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies have partnered to validate a hydrogen-powered truck equipped with EKPO’s NM20 fuel cell stack under real-world logistics conditions. The project marks a shift from laboratory testing to operational deployment in heavy-duty transport, where performance, efficiency and reliability are critical.
The NM20 stack, developed for high-power applications, delivers up to 400 kW and is designed for a service life exceeding 25,000 operating hours. In the demonstration vehicle, the single-stack system achieves up to 360 kW of output and efficiency levels of up to 61 percent. Akkodis is responsible for the full powertrain integration, including system architecture, high-voltage integration, control systems, thermal management and software development.
The hydrogen-powered truck will serve as a mobile validation platform, providing operational data during deployment with a logistics partner. This real-world testing will assess the interaction between the fuel cell, battery system, high-voltage architecture and vehicle control systems under varying load profiles, gradients, braking events and temperature conditions. The insights aim to support the further development of next-generation fuel cell systems and hydrogen-based propulsion solutions.
Dr. Thomas Klukas, CEO of Akkodis Germany, said the project leverages the company’s expertise in integrating technology, system architecture, hardware and software into a fully functional solution. Dr. Stefan Dwenger, Managing Director of EKPO, noted that the NM20’s performance data will contribute to the industrialization of hydrogen powertrains and inform future applications beyond heavy-duty transport, including stationary power generation, maritime transport and off-highway machinery.
The NM20’s development is supported by the European IPCEI funding program. The joint venture EKPO, based in Dettingen/Erms, Germany, specializes in high-volume production of fuel cell stacks for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, buses, rail and maritime applications.
