Allison Transmission announced it has been selected to provide the propulsion system for the UK’s first hydrogen fuel cell refuse collection vehicle (RCV).
The Aberdeen City Council has chosen to pair a 250-kW Hyzon electric motor with an Allison 3000 Series transmission, in conjunction with a 45-kW fuel cell. The company said the council’s decision to select the 3000 Series transmission is a testament to the capability of Allison’s dynamic portfolio of propulsion solutions, which can support and optimize emerging propulsion technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells.
The RCV, which is powered by Aberdeen’s existing hydrogen infrastructure, has a range of 155 miles (250 km), enabling it to travel greater distances than existing electric vehicles. This range enables these 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 4,200mm wheelbase HH-Mercedes-Benz Econic Hydrogen chassis and has a 15kg tank capacity at 350 bar and 140 kWh batteries at 700 volts.