Leading German Parcel Service Successfully Deploys Allison Transmission-Equipped Hyundai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck

GLS Germany covers 30,000 kilometers delivering 100,000 packages with an Allison-equipped Hyundai Xcient hydrogen fuel cell truck

Allison Transmission announced that GLS, a global shipping leader, has successfully completed 30,000 kilometers in its evaluation of the Allison-equipped Hyundai Xcient hydrogen fuel cell truck in Germany. Since late 2023, GLS Germany has delivered over 100,000 packages with the Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell 6×2 truck equipped with an Allison 4000 Series™ fully automatic transmission in the greater Cologne area. Additionally, since March 2024, the truck has been used for long-distance trips between Cologne and Mannheim. For the Europe-wide parcel service, this hydrogen truck trial is a further step in the testing of environmentally friendly propulsion technologies in everyday logistics.

 

“We are open to new technologies and want to explore the various options. The main thing for us is that it works,” said Oualid Hamza, Operations Manager, GLS. “The vehicle itself works well. There have been no problems or breakdowns.”

 

The three-axle vehicle with a steered rear axle, which can transport up to 1,300 parcels per trip, is powered by a 180-kilowatt (241 horsepower) hydrogen fuel cell system with two 90-kilowatt fuel cell units. The two fuel cell units feed a 350-kilowatt electric motor (2,237 newton-meters), which is coupled with an Allison fully automatic transmission for fast acceleration without loss of tractive power.

“It is great how agile the truck is and how easily and precisely it can be maneuvered thanks to the automatic transmission,” said Gero Liebig, Regional Manager, GLS. “The truck is really fun to drive. It is almost as quiet as an electric vehicle, which means that night deliveries are possible at any time, even in populated areas. That gives us flexibility.”

Allison’s patented torque converter multiplies the drive motor’s torque at startup, allowing the Xcient to operate with a smaller and less powerful drive motor, maximizing range and efficiency and helping to reduce vehicle costs.

“This pioneering integration exemplifies Allison’s alternative fuel advantage. Our fuel-agnostic conventional transmissions are engineered to integrate seamlessly with varying fuel types, positioning Allison for continued success with eco-conscious transportation solutions,” said Heidi Schutte, Vice President of EMEA, APAC and South America Sales, Allison Transmission. “Allison takes pride in offering a diverse array of propulsion solutions, from conventional to electric hybrid and fully electric systems, to help our customers meet their sustainability goals and to provide the power of choice.”

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