Big milestone for PEM at RWTH Aachen University: its hydrogen fuelcell-powered truck from the “SeLv” project has received official road approval. The truck had its public debut at NUFAM in Karlsruhe and is now undergoing extensive real-world testing.
With heavy-duty vehicles responsible for up to 35% of transport emissions in Germany, this innovation demonstrates how fuel cells can provide the range and payload needed for a sustainable transition.
Commenting on the significance of this milestone, Prof. Achim Kampker stated:
“The individual vehicle approval shows that innovative approaches can move from research prototype to practical application and ultimately to series production in a very short time.” – Prof. Achim Kampker, Head of the PEM Chair, RWTH Aachen
We’re proud to have supported the PEM Chair with a fully modular infotainment system based on Android Automotive OS (#AAOS).
Since off-the-shelf IVI systems couldn’t meet the unique requirements, we developed a custom-built solution – including UI/UX design, AOSP development, and CAN integration.
The driver-centred interface was optimised for truck operation, built on Ford design system elements, and tested in an RWTH Ford prototype. The system was first unveiled at IAA Transportation 2024 and continues to evolve under the brand name “moion.”
During development, multiple boards were evaluated. Our in-house AAOS build now runs on the Khadas VIM3 board, directly connected to the truck’s head unit. The testing process revealed how vast the hardware options are – and how each manufacturer’s limitations can significantly influence integration.
After many joint workshops with RWTH Aachen defining new ideas and project scopes, it’s rewarding to see the prototype now officially on the road – a tangible step towards decarbonising heavy transport.
This project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport
