Iveco launches large hydrogen van

Italy’s Iveco showcased a prototype of the hydrogen powered eDaily large van it has developed with Hyundai Motor, the first tangible outcome of a wider partnership between the two manufacturers.

Iveco and South Korea’s Hyundai Motor in March signed a preliminary deal to explore cooperating on shared vehicle technology, joint sourcing and mutual supply.

In July, they said Iveco would equip its future hydrogen-powered buses in Europe with fuel-cell systems designed by Hyundai’s hydrogen mobility brand HTWO.

Iveco is open-minded with regard to further such cooperations, Chief Executive Gerrit Marx told Reuters at the IAA Transportation trade show in Hanover, citing the need to consolidate in light of the rapid change in the industry.

The new hydrogen powered eDaily, with a range of 350 km (217 miles) and a maximum payload of 3 tons, is fitted with Hyundai’s 90 kilowatt (kW) hydrogen fuel cell system and 140 kW e-motor, Iveco said in a statement. The vehicle’s battery pack is provided by FPT Industrial, Iveco’s powertrain unit.

Iveco added that Hyundai was also considering sourcing opportunities from FPT Industrial in the area of next generation conventional powertrains for commercial vehicles.

Marx said order books were well-filled and that it was possible to pass on higher procurement costs to clients while also remaining mindful with regard to higher energy prices as winter approaches.