Hydrogen specialist KEYOU will put Mercedes Actros-based 40-ton truck on the road by 2026

Under the motto “KEYOU goes Heavy Duty”, Munich-based company KEYOU will put the 40t truck with KEYOU-inside hydrogen engine based on the Daimler Actros shown at IAA on the road in 2026. Indeed, KEYOU has initiated a strategic realignment with its appearance at this year’s IAA and will focus exclusively on the development and launch of its 40-ton offering, following the successful market launch of its 18-ton pioneer fleet.

The model KEYOU will launch in 2026 is based on a Daimler Actros with a 12.8-liter engine. It will be equipped with 350 bar hydrogen tanks, which will allow a range of around 650 kilometers. “The decision to use 350 bar instead of 700 bar for the market launch has several strategic reasons,” explained Thomas Korn, CEO at KEYOU. “Firstly, the technology is simply cheaper than 700 bar tanks due to its lower complexity, which allows us to offer our customers an even more attractive price. Secondly, the much more advanced development of the 350-bar infrastructure in the commercial vehicle sector also played an important role in our decision”. Read our exclusive interview with CEO Thomas Korn, below.

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“Especially in heavy-duty vehicles, where robustness and efficiency are key factors, there is something missing in the market. For us, it’s hydrogen combustion engines”, told us KEYOU CEO and founder, Thomas Korn. He also explained the business model of the company, born in 2015, specializing in con…

A comprehensive pay-per-use solution offered by KEYOU

KEYOU offers an all-around carefree mobility solution that includes the vehicle, comprehensive insurance coverage and a comprehensive service and maintenance package. Customers pay an agreed price per kilometer based on annual mileage, which includes all services.

“If they drive the usual number of kilometers with the truck over the years, fleet operators will save around €250,000 in toll fees. That means they get our CO2-free truck virtually for free if they want to buy the vehicle,” Korn added.

Attractive price per km

For a limited time, quick decision makers can now benefit from a particularly attractive price per kilometer. “From just €0.58 per kilometer, we offer our customers not only our hydrogen truck, but also our comprehensive service and maintenance package and insurance,” explained Pedro Bravo, CSO at KEYOU. A look at the TCO shows, according to the German company, that the pure vehicle, service and maintenance costs are on a par with diesel. This is because diesel adds about €0.35/km in tolls to the vehicle cost of about €0.33/km, while the KEYOU H2 truck will only pay about €0.05/km in tolls from 2026.