A big think-tank

Mr. Jan Boudesteijn took the initiative and brought together a wide range of potential stakeholders to explore the many possible of road transport solutions. He came across Eric Beers and Michel Dekkers with whom he developed the solution to achieve Zero emissions in city distribution. The trio focussed upo making a 7.5 Ton distribution vehicle using a combination of hydrogen fuel cells and batteries to provide the propulsion power. Using electric motors at each wheel the innovative driveline was created. Along with Hytruck Nedstack and e-Traction were technical partners . SenterNovem provided the necessary funds to make the concept a reality. The resulting truck was first shown at the RAI Truck show in 2007 where all the hard work was recognised by winning the Award for Innovation. This truck has been used on many shows and events to demonstrate what is truly possible with an electric driveline in a distribution truck.

Development

The team didn’t rest on their laurels and continued with the research and development. The financial crash in 2009 forced a rethink and the focus moved away front the ideal future proof solution to a pragmatic solution for today. A simpler solution was sought that could readily be introduced to the market. The result is a 16 ton GVW fully electric truck. Economics compelled the team to opt for a single centrally mounted electric motor , dropping the motor per wheel, and an expand capacity batteries packs are fitted. The finished truck is economically viable proposition and still fulfils the goal of zero emissions.

Project :- evaluation of driving electric vehicles

The continuity of Hytrucks has been ensure through the tenacity and perseverance of the team backed by continued funding from the Project evaluating the viability of electric trucks. The project has enabled 9 transport operators to convert their interest into orders for dedicated city distribution trucks. The operators and Hytruck have equipped the trucks with monitoring devices that will record extensive data about the use and performance of the trucks. This evidence will further strengthen the case for zero emission city distribution.

Together with his brother, Jan is director and owner of the Boudesteijn Group who specialise in transport solutions. Within the group there is a transport operation and a removal business. The group used to have the Scania dealership for Ijmond . Jan is the chairman of the group. He champions the use of Hydrogen and is very active networking especially in those areas where Hydrogen could be utilised. It was through this connection that the initial investigation into Hydrogen fuel cells in trucks was started.

22 years of his career Eric worked at Beers, they were the Scania importer for the Netherlands, having a broad range of responsibilities from technical management rising to be the sales and marketing director. He chairs the electricity in mobility solutions committee of the RAI. Within the RAI he is also involved in many commissions viz. sustainability in transport. These activities has given him a wide network and opportunities to lobby for the zero emission in transport solution.

Michel is almost a real trucker! Before joining Hytrucks he’s had 14 years working in the industry in particular as product manager with Scania. He is completely convinced about the potential of zero emission trucks. His energies are directed at creating novel, sustainable technical solutions to the challenges that Hytruck face.