Iveco-Nikola

Iveco said it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with gas firm Air Liquide to develop hydrogen mobility in Europe.

Both partners are expected to investigate and study the roll-out of heavy-duty, fuel-cell electric long-haul trucks, along with the deployment of a network of refuelling stations along the main trans-European transport corridors.

In addition, both companies will jointly promote initiatives to encourage hydrogen mobility.

Iveco Group designated president, Luca Sra said: “We are committed to the development of a hydrogen economy and are excited to collaborate with Air Liquide in researching the most effective way to provide operators with this sustainable alternative transport fuel.

“It is essential that we all focus on reaching global net zero-emission targets, working together to propel the industry faster in accomplishing this.”

Matthieu Giard, a member of the executive committee supervising hydrogen activities at Air Liquide, said: “Hydrogen can significantly contribute to reducing emissions of the transportation sector as it is particularly well suited for long-haul heavy-duty vehicles.”

In 2019, Nikola Motor Company partnered with CNH Industrial, which owns Iveco and engine maker FPT Industrial, to speed up the arrival of its hydrogen fuel cell-powered trucks on the North American and European markets.

In October, Daimler Truck and BP confirmed they had signed an MOU to deliver hydrogen powered fuel cell HGVs and deploy the required infrastructure for refuelling vehicles in the UK by the end of the decade.