Munich-based KEYOU, which specializes in retrofitting heavy-duty trucks for operateion on hydrogen (earlier post) and leading commercial vehicle specialist Paul Nutzfahrzeuge from Vilshofen in Lower Bavaria are further expanding their existing partnership.The aim of the intensified cooperation is to provide a nationwide service network and thus further advance the market ramp-up for hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles and buses.

The two companies are linked by a long-standing partnership and the shared conviction that hydrogen is indispensable as an alternative drive technology in the commercial vehicle segment. As preferred partner for the assembly of KEYOU vehicles, Paul has already set up the two prototype vehicles for KEYOU in the past—the 18 t truck and the 12 m city bus—and is currently entrusted with the construction of a 40-ton vehicle as part of the HyCET funding project.

In addition, the Paul Group is responsible for the assembly of the 18t trucks for the KEYOU pioneer fleet PF8, which is scheduled to start in November.

The existing cooperation will now be extended to the areas of service, qualification and parts supply to exploit synergies from the different expertise and resources of the two companies. To this end, KEYOU is now also relying on the Paul Group’s extensive partner network, which is being trained and made H₂-ready by Paul. KEYOU offers fleet operators a full service package that not only includes a toll-exempt vehicle with a CO₂-free hydrogen engine, but also covers insurance, fuel and a comprehensive service and maintenance program.

The aim of the even closer partnership inthe future is the long-term provision of a comprehensive service network consisting of qualified workshops, a corresponding range of training coursesand a seamless supply of spare parts. In addition, the workshops are to be equipped with the special tools required for the conversion via the network.

As part of the HyCET research project funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV), KEYOU is currently working with consortium leader BMW AG and consortium partners DEUTZ AG, DHLFreight GmbH, TotalEnergies Marketing Deutschland GmbH and Volvo Group on the development and testing of a 40 t truck with a 13 l hydrogen combustion engine. After the planned completion in 2024, the road test is scheduled to start in 2025. The Paul Group will also be responsible for building the vehicle for this project.