RWTH Aachen Fuel Cell Truck Visits Mahle

The fuel cell innovation truck from the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen made a stop at Mahle's headquarters in Stuttgart last Friday as part of its Germany tour. The state-of-the-art truck was developed by RWTH Aachen in collaboration with the Stuttgart-based automotive supplier.

“In initial tests on a roller dynamometer, the truck already achieved a continuous output of 385 kilowatts, equivalent to approximately 523 horsepower. During peak performance, even 473 kilowatts, or roughly 644 horsepower, were recorded.”

MAHLE has long been developing series-ready components for fuel cell drives for use in passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Last year, the company presented a complete fuel cell truck system, consisting of fuel cell peripherals, thermal management, and a heavy-duty axle with an electric motor. According to the company, these components are already being used extensively in all currently electrified trucks.

In its “MAHLE 2030+” strategy, the company is focusing not only on battery-electric drives but also on piston engines powered by climate-neutral fuels such as e-fuels or hydrogen. MAHLE sees a particularly promising market for this in the maritime sector. To illustrate this comprehensive future strategy, the company recently modernized the piston sculpture in front of its headquarters. “Our engines also run on hydrogen and other renewable fuels,” now reads the company’s landmark.