A cost-effective, carbon-free truck fleet with long ranges, short refueling times and proven suitability for everyday use: This is exactly what Munich-based hydrogen expert KEYOU offers its customers with its 18-ton trucks powered by KEYOU-inside hydrogen engines. Now another pioneer, the freight forwarding and logistics company Kellergroup from Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, has secured one of the popular pioneer trucks. The KEYOU truck is expected to be used by the logistics company for a major car manufacturer from southern Germany starting in the spring of 2025.
Decarbonization of supply chains increasingly important for end customers
For more than 90 years, Kellergroup has offered its customers a wide range of logistics services. One aspect that is becoming increasingly important, especially for large customers, is the reduction of CO2 emissions along the supply chain - such as in the automotive industry, one of the sectors served by the logistics specialist. For this reason, the KEYOU 18-ton truck, based on a Daimler Actros chassis, will be used by Kellergroup for the emission-free transport of components for a major car manufacturer from Baden-Württemberg. It will operate on a pre-defined route in southern Germany and use the H2 filling station in Sindelfingen. "Our customers are increasingly demanding zero-emission transport services in order to achieve their sustainability goals," explains Patrick Krech, Managing Partner of Kellergroup. "Therefore, we are always looking for efficient solutions to meet this demand and make our industry more sustainable."
KEYOU convinces with technology and professional handling
The decision in favor of KEYOU and its technology was primarily based on the many diesel-like features and the professional support. Krech explains: "We see great potential in KEYOU's approach to meeting the ever-increasing sustainability requirements in our industry over the long term, without having to make major compromises in terms of efficiency or range. In addition, KEYOU convinced us with its pleasantly pragmatic approach and transparent communication from the first meeting to the signing of the contract. We are therefore very pleased to have the opportunity to add one of the popular Pioneer trucks to our fleet and to test it soon," says Krech, who has been working for Kellergroup for 20 years.
Hydrogen expert KEYOU is also pleased with the cooperation: "We are proud to welcome Kellergroup as another well-known logistics company with a renowned end customer from the automotive industry to our pioneering project," says Jürgen Nadler, CMO at KEYOU. "The confidence that Kellergroup and its customer have in our technology and our truck is a further encouragement for us.
Low-risk transition thanks to H2MaaS, toll exemption and zero-emission classification
Another big advantage for the Kellergroup: In order to make the transition to the new drive technology as easy, predictable and risk-free as possible for its customers, KEYOU's "H2 Mobility as a Service"(H2MaaS) approach focuses on an all-around, carefree mobility solution. In addition to the vehicle with a zero-emission hydrogen engine, this also includes a comprehensive service and maintenance package, comprehensive insurance coverage from partner HDI and, if required, the fuel itself. Customers pay an agreed price per kilometer based on annual mileage, which includes all services. The aim is to ensure that customers receive everything they need for the smooth operation of their hydrogen vehicle from a single source. In addition, the vehicle is classified as a zero-emission vehicle according to EU standards, even without expensive exhaust aftertreatment, and is therefore officially exempt from truck tolls.
World premiere at the IAA: Converted 40-ton truck with KEYOU-inside hydrogen engine
In order to enable logistics companies and other fleet operators to benefit from the numerous advantages of this technology in long-distance transportation in the future, the company is currently focusing on the further development and adaptation of its KEYOU-inside system for the heavy-duty segment, especially for 40-ton trucks. At this year's IAA, KEYOU will present two semitrailer tractors for the first time in Hall 12, booth C40. One of them is a Volvo semitrailer tractor with a 13-liter engine, which KEYOU developed together with Volvo as part of the HyCET project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV). Visitors to the KEYOU booth can also look forward to an innovative hydrogen storage technology and a universal H2 service unit for workshops, which KEYOU has developed together with its new partner and lead investor DILO and which will be launched at the IAA.
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