IKEA Austria, in partnership with Germany’s Quantron AG and Wien Energie, announced sustainable logistics by introducing hydrogen fuel cell trucks. These zero-emission vehicles, powered by green hydrogen is a step toward eco-friendly transportation.
Quantron AG, a specialist in sustainable passenger and freight transport, is supplying the QUANTRON QLI FCEV model vehicles. The zero-emission transporters will be fueled with green hydrogen from energy supplier Wien Energie.
Alpaslan Deliloglu, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA Austria says, “By introducing the hydrogen trucks – as the first IKEA market worldwide – we succeed in Austria in taking a big step in implementing environmentally friendly processes. In this way, as a pioneer in the field of sustainable logistics, we want to show that a transformation to zero-emission delivery is already possible today.”
What do hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer?
The hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, developed in collaboration with Ballard Power Systems, a global fuel cell technology company, are a result of innovative Quantron Inside technology.
This comprehensive approach integrates an e-axle, high-performance battery, fuel cell, and tank system, coupled with unique energy management and aerodynamics, ensuring maximum efficiency.
The entire process, from feasibility study to delivery, was completed in just 18 months. The QUANTRON QLI FCEV boasts a range of up to 400 km on a single tank, enabling daily distances of over 500 km.
Andreas Haller, founder and Executive Chairman of Quantron AG says, “We are delighted that our long-standing collaboration with IKEA has reached another level with the launch of a new generation of innovative QUANTRON products.”
“The QLI FCEV is the first H2 vehicle in the fuel cell commercial vehicle segment up to 7.5 t in Europe and the market leader in fuel cell technology in this class.”
“We have been supporting IKEA Austria on its mission of decarbonization since August 2021. IKEA Austria has 45 QLI BEV trucks in use in the greater Vienna area and a further 11 in other Austrian cities,” adds Haller.
The adoption of battery-electric QUANTRON vehicles is saving nearly 450 tons of CO2 annually. Additionally, the introduction of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) trucks, with a longer delivery range, is expected to further reduce CO2 emissions by 160 tons annually.
IKEA Austria aims to achieve 100 per cent emission-free last-mile deliveries by 2025 and plans to expand its fleet of hydrogen-powered trucks to 40 units by that time.
Brief about Quantron AG
Founded in 2019, Quantron AG is a spinoff of Haller GmbH. The company claims to be a leading provider of sustainable mobility solutions for trucks, buses, and vans.
Combining over 140 years of commercial vehicle expertise with e-mobility knowledge, the German company specialises in fully electric powertrains and H2 fuel cell technology. They collaborate with existing OEMs globally.
Through their Quantron-as-a-Service Ecosystem (QaaS), Quantron offers a complete mobility solution covering vehicle conversions, digital and physical aftersales services, maintenance, telematics, and fleet management.
The company’s QUANTRON INSIDE technology transforms diesel vehicles into battery and hydrogen-electric ones. They also provide individual solutions like rental, financing, training, and workshops via the QUANTRON Academy.
In the future, Quantron plans to produce green hydrogen and electricity through QUANTRON ENERGY & POWER STATION, collaborating with global partners. This initiative aligns with their Clean Transportation Alliance, aiming to supply vehicles alongside green charging and H2 refuelling infrastructure.