The Port of Bilbao has started real tests of the H2TowTractor, a logistics unit converted using hydrogen technology that seeks to transform industrial transport in demanding operational environments.
The project has at its core a retrofit system that allows existing vehicles to be retrofitted with a fuel cell. fuel cell and lithium-ion and lithium-ion buffer battery, which avoids renewing entire fleets and facilitates fast and affordable decarbonization.
Hydrogen tractor operational tests
During this first phase, the tractor was tested on an ATA E405AC unit at the Bunge Ibérica terminal. The vehicle performed intensive towing operations after being refueled with renewable hydrogen. renewable hydrogen supplied by Petronor, while IBIL was in charge of the loading and refueling logistics in the same port area.
Thanks to its plug-and-play design, the system can be easily integrated into already operating fleets, which represents a competitive advantage over the limitations of electric vehicles. conventional electric vehicles especially in activities that require long usage times and quick recharging.
Technical support and European collaboration
This pilot is part of the European project H2TOWproject, financed by EIT Urban Mobility, in which entities such as AESS, ATA TOW Tractors, Arco Technologies, the Mobility and Logistics Cluster of the Basque Country and the Bologna Agri-Food Center (CABB) collaborate.
In addition to the technical tests, the driving personnel received specific training on driving, safety and hydrogen handling, reinforcing the operational reliability of the system from day one.
This process was complemented with the conference “Hydrogen Solutions”, where advances in storage, distribution and European funding for clean mobility were discussed. clean mobility.
Source and photo: Port of Bilbao