Stuttgart—The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action has provided EUR 5.1 million in funding to a three-year initiative aimed at advancing hydrogen-based powertrain concepts for heavy commercial vehicles and non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). Coordinated by MAHLE, the project brings together a consortium of industry leaders, suppliers, academic institutions, and research organizations, including DEUTZ, KIT, The German Aerospace Center (DLR), Purem, Claas, Braunschweig University of Technology, Liebherr, Nagel, Umicore, NGK, and Castrol, with support from TÜV Rheinland.
Hydrogen engines are particularly suited for construction and agricultural machinery due to their efficiency, durability, and low emissions. Off-road applications will be at the center of this initiative, with studies focusing on vehicle concepts, fleet infrastructure considerations, and exhaust gas aftertreatment systems. Testing will include evaluating hydrogen’s impact on materials, friction, and wear characteristics to meet the stringent robustness and emissions requirements for NRMM.
“At MAHLE, we have been working on the development of hydrogen engines for years and are delighted that we can now also contribute this expertise, together with strong partners, to the latest developments for the off-road sector,” said Dr. Marco Warth, Vice President Corporate Research and Advanced Engineering at MAHLE. “Only the cooperation of such diverse partners and experts in the respective technologies enables a holistic approach and impressively shows the innovation potential of German research and industry in the mobility sector.”
The project aims to develop all critical fundamentals required to meet future emissions guidelines while showcasing Germany’s leadership in hydrogen innovation. MAHLE, a company with a strong focus on technological diversity, is leveraging its expertise in electrification, thermal management, and highly efficient combustion engines for the initiative. Known for its significant contributions to hydrogen and fuel cell vehicle projects, MAHLE underscores its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions for diverse global applications.
