BMW Group deploys truck with hydrogen combustion engine in logistics

At BMW Group Plant Leipzig, testing of an 18-tonne truck with a hydrogen combustion engine in real-world plant operations is now underway. The truck uses a piston engine based on diesel technology, in which hydrogen is burned to produce water vapour and virtually no CO₂.

For this project, an H₂ combustion-engine truck will supply the Technology Exterior Components (TEK) division at Plant Leipzig with parts to produce plastic components such as bumpers and spoilers. In a second phase, the hydrogen combustion-engine truck will supply the vehicle assembly with exterior components from TEK on a just-in-time basis. In this way, the BMW Group is testing further technology to reduce the CO₂ emissions of its global transport activities.

“Logistics is the backbone of our production. That is why we are adopting a technology-open, data-based approach to identify suitable alternative truck drive trains for each specific application. For the first time in German car production, we are using a truck with a hydrogen combustion engine in regular operations. This project will give us valuable practical experience in real-world logistics operations and make an important contribution to further developing this technology”, explains Dirk Wiedmann, head of Production Network and Logistics at the BMW Group.

Testing will take place both on longer transport routes and in three-shift operation in the vicinity of the plant. The insights gained through this project will help identify suitable logistics applications for vehicles with hydrogen combustion engines.