Worthington helps Evarm deliver proof of concept for heavy-duty H2 combustion truck
Vienna 2023 – When Xavier Ribas, CEO of Barcelona-based Evarm, wanted to prove that hydrogen combustion engines were fit for zero-emissions daily logistics, he took a unique approach. Rather than running a pilot vehicle on a set route under standard conditions, he decided to put his retrofitted H2 concept vehicle, the KH-7 Epsilon rally truck, through a worst-case scenario: The 2023 Dakar Desert Rally.
For 15 days in January 2023, dunes and desert would try to stop the 800-horsepower vehicle, built on a MAN TGA 26.480 truck chassis. Competing against T.5.1 and T.5.2 trucks, drivers would be pushing the KH-7 Epsilon 500-600 km per day across some of the world’s most rugged terrain. Ribas knew that success depended on many things. At the top of the list was the fueling system: twin high-pressure hydrogen cylinders that could weather changing temperatures and the shocks of the unpaved course. This is why he turned to Worthington.
To contain the 10 kg of hydrogen needed to cover the daily distances, Worthington engineers recommended COM3T Type 3-205 L 350 BAR cylinders. In addition, they consulted on installing the cylinders with gas street components from PTEC Pressure Technology, a Worthington Industries company – such as DOCK on-tank valves, TPRD plugs, and solenoid valves.
Evarm’s vehicle design and Worthington’s hydrogen cylinders and gas street components ensured that, even under desert conditions, refueling would be simple, reliable, and fast – taking only four to six minutes.
Smart designers and engineers plus an experienced team of drivers turned the KH-7 Epsilon truck into a mobile laboratory, where Evarm tested the limits of hydrogen-fueled mobility. Even the truck flipped on day 13 – Friday the 13th – the integrity of vehicle and fuel system held. Repairs lasted a little more than a day and the truck was back in the race – the experiment continued. After over two weeks in the desert, the KH-7 Epsilon crossed the finish line – becoming the first-ever hydrogen-powered vehicle to complete the Dakar Desert Rally in the new category “Challenge New Energy.”
While many electric vehicles failed to finish, Evarm’s truck, fueled by Worthington COM3T H2 cylinders, delivered success on the world’s toughest testing grounds. With the test of Dakar in the rearview mirror, Evarm and Worthington will focus on the next challenge: converting heavy-duty vehicles into zero-emission H2 delivery trucks at scale.
Learn more about Evarm here.
About Worthington
Worthington Industries Europe is the largest designer and manufacturer of pressure vessels in the region with over 1,600 employees working at facilities in Austria, Poland and Portugal. Worthington is the first in its industry to incorporate sustainable practices into its long-term business strategy. With the lightest composite and steel low- and high-pressure cylinders available, Worthington designs and makes solutions for technical gases, industrial gases, and alternative fuels. The Company invests strategically in production facilities that serve the sustainable mobility market with gas-storage, transport and onboard fueling systems for cars, buses, trucks and more.
Worthington Industries (NYSE:WOR) is a leading industrial manufacturing company delivering innovative solutions to customers that span many industries including transportation, construction, industrial, agriculture, retail and energy. Worthington is North America’s premier value-added steel processor and producer of laser welded products; and a leading global supplier of pressure cylinders and accessories for applications such as fuel storage, water systems, outdoor living, tools and celebrations. The Company’s brands, primarily sold in retail stores, include Coleman®, Bernzomatic®, Balloon Time®, Mag Torch®, Well-X-Trol®, General®, Garden-Weasel®, Pactool International® and Hawkeye™. Worthington’s WAVE joint venture with Armstrong is the North American leader in innovative ceiling solutions.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Worthington operates 51 facilities in 15 states and seven countries, sells into over 90 countries and employs approximately 7,500 people. Founded in 1955, the Company follows a people-first philosophy with earning money for its shareholders as its first corporate goal. Relentlessly finding new ways to drive progress and practicing a shared commitment to transformation, Worthington makes better solutions possible for customers, employees, shareholders and communities.
Any questions?
Todd Cesaratto
Director of Communications + Marketing | Europe
Worthington Industries
+43 664 8868 2632
todd.cesaratto@worthingtonindustries.com