Aberdeen’s hydrogen-powered refuse collection vehicle makes progress
The vehicle is the latest step in the ‘H2 Aberdeen’ initiative, aiming to bring about a hydrogen economy in the city’s region.
Aberdeen City Council has chosen Allison Transmission to provide the propulsion system for the UK’s first hydrogen fuel cell refuse collection vehicle (RCV).
The city council paired a 250 kW Hyzon electric motor with an Allison 3000 Series transmission and a 45 kW fuel cell.
The council’s decision to select the 3000 Series transmission can support and optimise emerging propulsion technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells.
The RCV, powered by Aberdeen’s existing hydrogen infrastructure, has a range of 155 miles, enabling it to travel greater distances than existing electric vehicles. This range allows for refuse trucks to complete their route without returning to the depot to recharge.
Aberdeen City Council’s innovative new hydrogen-powered refuse truck is based on the 4200 mm wheelbase HH-Mercedes-Benz Econic Hydrogen chassis and has a 15kg tank capacity at 350 bar and 140 kWh batteries at 700 volts.
The council’s new hydrogen-powered truck combines the Econic’s low-entry cab with a vehicle body made in the Netherlands by waste collection solutions specialist Geesinknorba Group.
The vehicle is equipped with a combi split bin lift and went into service in March on a domestic refuse collection duty cycle which includes constant stop-starts for 7.5 hours per day and five days per week.
Allison’s fully automatic transmission replaces the mechanical clutch with a patented torque converter. This reduces maintenance requirements and improves driveability, making vehicles easier to control during stop-starts and low-speed manoeuvres.
