Keyou has been working on emission-free hydrogen-based propulsion technology since 2015. The Munich-based startup is developing H2-specific technologies, components, and combustion processes that can be used to transform conventional combustion engines into emission-free hydrogen engines. Keyou has now unveiled two prototype vehicles – an 18-ton truck and a 12-meter city bus – both equipped with a 7.8-liter hydrogen engine.
Cost-effective and robust alternative
The 18-ton truck is based on a Daimler Actros chassis. The integration work, which began in January 2022, was carried out by Paul Commercial Vehicles GmbH carried out. The project was funded with 5.8 million euros by the EIC AcceleratorAfter initial test drives, the demonstration vehicle is expected to receive individual approval by the summer so that it can also be driven on public roads.
The development and construction of the 12m city bus was carried out by Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs Paul Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH is also responsible for the integration work on this vehicle. The hydrogen engine in the city bus operates as a mild-hybrid Variante. Thomas Korn, CEO and co-founder of Keyou, comments on the current development:
“With our prototype vehicles, we demonstrate that hydrogen engine technology also works in practice and represents a cost-effective and robust alternative to battery-electric or fuel cell vehicles.”
Vehicles in the logistics industry or urban transport companies must – in addition to price – excel in terms of range, robustness, refueling time, and everyday usability. Keyou aims to close the gap between "zero emissions" and cost-effectiveness with its technology. According to the Munich-based startup, the two vehicle types offer range potentials of over 500 kilometers.
No in-house production planned
Keyou does not plan to produce its own vehicles and engines in the future, but instead wants to specialize in the further development and conversion of new and existing vehicles. Korn says:
"In the next ten to 15 years, millions of diesel vehicles will still be produced worldwide, especially for commercial vehicles. So we're facing a huge market that we want to serve with our 'zero-emission' technology."
