DHL Pilots Hydrogen Freight Trucks in NL

The Eindhoven terminal's goal is to operate a fully diesel-free cartage fleet for local pickups and deliveries by 2026. This hydrogen truck pilot is part of a wider strategy to test various clean technologies, including battery electric vehicles and biofuels, under real-world commercial conditions. The specific truck being tested is based on a Mercedes-Benz Atego, modified by German specialist Paul Nutzfahrzeuge. It features an 80kW Toyota fuel cell and has a range of approximately 400 kilometers with a trailer, with a refueling time of just 10 to 15 minutes. The vehicle is leased through hylane, a German start-up, using a pay-per-kilometer model. This initiative is a multi-partner collaboration. Long-time carrier partner Schuurman Logistics provides the driver and manages daily operations, while Teal Mobility, a joint venture between Air Liquide and TotalEnergies, supplies the crucial hydrogen refueling infrastructure. The pilot will cover about 300 kilometers daily across the Dutch provinces of Overijssel and Gelderland. Data collection is focused on real-world energy consumption, optimal refueling patterns, and driver experience to inform a wider rollout of hydrogen technology across DHL's network. This project aligns with the Dutch government's National Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to have 4GW of electrolysis capacity by 2030 and develop a national hydrogen transport network connecting major industrial hubs. The government is investing €750 million to develop this network, which will partly use existing gas pipelines. The broader context is the Netherlands' goal of a fully circular economy by 2050, with a 50% reduction in the use of primary raw materials by 2030. The construction sector, a major resource consumer, is a key focus, making the decarbonization of its complex supply chains a national priority.