Pilot project in Finland to test a battery–fuel cell hybrid truck on long-haul routes, supporting the EU’s objective of emission-free heavy road freight transport.
A pilot project exploring the potential of hydrogen and electricity to power heavy-duty long-haul transport will begin in Finland in late 2026. Led by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the project features a high-tech hybrid truck that combines battery-electric propulsion with hydrogen fuel cells.
Manufactured by Sisu Auto, the SISU Escalate truck runs primarily on electricity, with hydrogen fuel cells serving as a supplementary power source to extend its operating capability on long-haul assignments. The truck will enter regular transport operations in late 2026, with its performance continuously monitored through vehicle data and a digital twin.
“We will collect data on the technology, energy consumption, and overall functionality and reliability of different solutions. The vehicle will drive 540 kilometres per day, during which we will monitor how much electricity and hydrogen it is using,” says Mikko Pihlatie, Research Professor at VTT.
The project brings together several Finnish partners. Sisu Auto manufactures the vehicle, IONCOR supplies the battery system, and Kempower provides the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) infrastructure. Hevtec is responsible for the vehicle-side charging solution and integration of the electric powertrain.
Jylhä Logistics will operate the truck between Vuosaari harbour in southern Finland and Jyväskylä in central Finland. The first, fully electric version of the vehicle was tested in spring 2026 by logistics company Rauanheimo.
“By monitoring the truck for six months, we will gain data about the vehicle’s performance, the ways different factors such as weather conditions impact consumption, and what limitations may occur in the operation of the vehicle.
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