Shell launches hydrogen truck leasing scheme in Germany

Shell has launched a pay-as-you-go scheme to rent hydrogen trucks to large-goods transport operators in Germany, the British energy giant announced on Tuesday.

The deal will see drivers receiving exclusive use of a 15-tonne fuel-cell electric version of a Mercedes Benz Atego truck for a monthly fee.

The trucks have a range of up to 450 kilometres and refueling time of around 15 minutes.

Although the monthly fee was not disclosed, Shell said the service is based on mileage.

The scheme also includes maintenance services, insurance and customer support.

Shell announced in its 2022 Energy Transition Progress Report published this year that it had purchased 25 trucks to support the deal.

There are currently 90 operational hydrogen refuelling points in Germany aimed at passenger vehicles, of which Shell operates 38.

The EU’s newly approved Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation requires at least one hydrogen refuelling station capable of providing at least 1 tonne of hydrogen per day every 200 kilometres along core routes of the planned Trans-European Transport Network and in every major urban area by 2030.