Smart. Simple. Sustainable.

Fleet operators face enormous challenges. Economic success alone is no longer enough today; we must also do our part for the climate. That is precisely why KEYOU offers a comprehensive, worry-free package for fleet operators, providing CO2-free vehicles powered by hydrogen—with no risk and, if desired, attractive service, maintenance, and insurance packages.

Zero emission, maximum performance - the KEYOU HICE.40 tractor unit

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Power

350 kW

Driving range

up to 650 kilometers

Displacement

12.8 liters

Rendering of the KEYOU-inside hydrogen engine

Image of the hexagon purus 27kg hydrogen tank installed in the pioneer vehicle

H2 Engine with KEYOU-inside

The current inline six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 12.8 liters is based on the Mercedes-Benz OM 741 diesel platform. It has an output of 350 kW and delivers a maximum torque of 2,100 Nm at 1,000–1,400 rpm. Fuel consumption is around 9 kg of H2 per 100 km.

350 bar storage system

The 350-bar fuel system on our standard 4x2 tractor-trailer is designed for a range of approximately 650 km. Shown on the right in the picture as an example: our fuel system for the 18-t Pioneer truck. A major advantage: While electric trucks spend several hours at the charging station, refueling with hydrogen in this case takes only about 15–20 minutes.

Zero CO2. Zero compromise.

Our new slogan says it all: “As always. But green.” Fleet operators don’t have to adjust their routines, because the KEYOU HICE.40 offers customers the same day-to-day practicality as a conventional diesel truck. The only difference: With us, you drive CO2-free! Our tractor-trailer, equipped with a KEYOU-inside hydrogen engine, emits only harmless water vapor. According to EU standards, our vehicles are classified as “zero-emission” because they emit less than 3 g of CO2 per metric ton-kilometer.

The base of our KEYOU-inside technology

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Innovative concept

We developed a proprietary low-temperature lean combustion concept that results in obtaining the highest performance with the lowest emissions.

Hydrogen system

The engine control system optimizes the management of the injection, air-charging, and ignition sub-systems, which have all been tailored for H2 burn. Some key mechanical components were improved for high durability.

Maximum performance

The intelligent engine management strategy makes optimal use of the properties of H2 and enables high power density, high torque at low engine speeds, and an efficiency of just under 44%.

Zero emission

H2 combustion emits water vapor. Traces of CO2 originating from the lubricating oil are close to zero, as are NOx emissions due to the low combustion temperature achieved.

Robust & cost-effective

Build on top of a mature diesel engine base platform, KEYOU’s H2-Engine offers the same high reliability and durability as Diesel engines. Due to the low modification effort and the fast integration of new components, the extra cost to pay is low.

How an ordinary diesel...

Previous generations of hydrogen engines were clean but low performance and required complex adaptation work. KEYOU, on the other hand, modifies existing diesel engines most effectively, using the same components. Retrofitting only those necessary for optimal hydrogen combustion operation.

...becomes a zero emission vehicle.

Thanks to optimized workflows and efficient processes, we can convert your existing fleet quickly and efficiently. Through our partner network, we guarantee the usual standard of service and maintenance even after the conversion. Contact us today to learn more about KEYOU-inside and our conversion services. Be a pioneer, and take the first step towards a CO2-free future, we will support you!

See how it works

Hydrogen mobility without risk –whether you buy or lease

No experience with hydrogen? Want cutting-edge technology without the risk? Want to drive CO2-free while keeping a close eye on your TCO?No problem—we provide fleet operators with everything they need for the safe and reliable operation of a CO2-free vehicle. With us, you don't just get a toll-exempt vehicle; you also receive a service and maintenance package tailored specifically to your needs, which can even be supplemented with attractive vehicle insurance upon request.All service and warranty work is handled by KEYOU or our partner workshops. Furthermore, thanks to our partnerships with established H2 filling station operators, we can give you access to highly competitive hydrogen prices.

H2 Vehicle

Our tractor unit based on the Mercedes-Benz Actros is classified as "zero emission" under EU standards and is therefore toll-exempt. The vehicle is built on our KEYOU-inside technology, which stands for zero emissions, high driving comfort and maximum performance.

Service & Maintenance

Don't worry – we take care of the service for your H2 vehicle. Together with our partner network, we offer professional service as well as attractive maintenance and repair packages.

Insurance

With us, you get everything from a single source – including tailor-made third-party liability and fully comprehensive insurance on request. We work with renowned insurance companies that offer customer-specific terms for our products.

Hydrogen

Vehicle and fuel go hand in hand. That's why you can also source your hydrogen through our local partners and benefit from attractive hydrogen prices.

Our reference & vehicle projects

Over the past few years, KEYOU has worked on several engine and vehicle projects—ranging from 8-liter to 30-liter engines, and from Unimogs to mining vehicles. We have also successfully implemented the EU-funded "H2Engine" project for 18-ton trucks, the "BayVFP" bus project supported by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the federally funded "HyCET" project (13-liter engine/semi-trailer tractor).

HICE.40 – Development of 12.8-l Engine / Tractor Unit Build-Up

With the HICE.40, KEYOU is bringing its hydrogen combustion technology to heavy-duty long-haul transport. The tractor unit is based on an existing Mercedes-Benz Actros platform and will be equipped with an adapted 12.8-l H2 engine. Designed for 40-ton applications, the vehicle combines long range, high payload and a familiar vehicle architecture with CO2-free operation.

Image of the 18-ton truck with a KEYOU-inside hydrogen engine

„Komatsu “ – Development of 30-l Engine / Dump Truck Build-Up

Together with Komatsu, KEYOU developed a hydrogen-powered dump truck for demanding construction and mining applications. The focus was on adapting a conventional 30-l diesel engine to run on hydrogen and integrating the powertrain into a heavy-duty off-road vehicle. The project demonstrates how KEYOU-inside technology can also be applied beyond road freight transport.

“HyCET” - Development of a 13-liter Engine / Assembly of a Semi-Trailer Tractor

The consortium research project HyCET ("Hydrogen Combustion Engine Trucks") aims to demonstrate the sustainability potential of hydrogen trucks in transport logistics. The joint project is led by the BMW Group as consortium leader, other partners are DHL Freight GmbH, DEUTZ AG, Volvo Trucks Technology, Total Energies Marketing Deutschland GmbH, and KEYOU. HyCET's total budget of 19.5 million euros is funded by the BMDV with 11.3 million euros. A further 5.7 million euros will be provided for the construction of the two filling stations. The research project will run for four years.

EIC "H2Engine" - Development of an 18-ton truck

The European Union's EIC Accelerator funding program supports companies through a combination of grants and investments. The EIC Fund specifically targets young, highly innovative impact and deep-tech companies. As part of this funded project, KEYOU built an 18-ton truck powered by a hydrogen engine, which is based on an established manufacturer's 7.8-liter engine equipped with "KEYOU-inside" technology.

In April 2023, our 18-tonner received road approval from TÜV Süd... and was, at the time, the first vehicle of its kind permitted to drive on public roads.

Image of the 12-meter city bus with a KEYOU-inside hydrogen engine

"BayVFP" - Development of a 12-meter city bus

With the 12-meter city bus that is based on the chassis of a leading European bus manufacturer, KEYOU presents another emission-free vehicle with a "KEYOU-inside hydrogen engine." The development and construction of the vehicle were supported by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs.

A special feature of this vehicle is that the hydrogen engine is operated here as a mild hybrid variant and thus meets the requirements that a transport company places on a city bus to a particular extent.

Image of a Unimog with KEYOU-inside hydrogen engine

WaVe - Medium-duty H2 engine development

The aim of the "WaVe" joint project, which was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, was to develop a hydrogen-based drive system for commercial vehicles in the medium-duty range and to test it in field trials using various demonstrators. At the core of the drive system is a new type of hydrogen combustion engine, which is supplemented with all the system components required for operation. A Unimog with a mower was built, and KEYOU was mainly involved in the development of the hydrogen engine.

Smart evolution into clean mobility: KEYOU at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik

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Award-winning experts

We know awards aren't everything – but we see them as recognition of our work and of what we've achieved so far. We're delighted that people value what we do, and perhaps even share our vision. So yes, we're also a little proud to have received many of the industry's major awards in recent years.