Freudenberg and ZF AG have joined forces to develop sustainable hybrid fuel cell/battery drive systems for trucks and buses.
The first prototypes are expected to hit the road in 2023, with mass production scheduled to begin shortly after.
The "long-term" agreement comes after the two companies launched the "HyFleet" research project last year to develop fuel cell drives for long-distance bus platforms.
While the initial focus is on truck and bus applications, it could expand to rail, construction and agricultural vehicles, and marine applications - potentially powering passenger ships on the high seas.
