By ATN Editorial Team
Summary: Metier Technologies and MAHLE Powertrain will showcase a hydrogen engine fitted to a DAF LF220 truck at CENEX Expo in September. The project demonstrates how existing diesel trucks can be rapidly converted to run on 100% hydrogen, providing a practical zero-emission solution for fleet operators. Using MAHLE Powertrain’s Flexible ECU platform, the conversion delivers precise hydrogen combustion control and optimised performance. Metier aims to begin fleet trials by 2026, with wider deployment targeted for 2027.
Auto Tech View
-
Demonstrates a commercially viable hydrogen ICE retrofit path for existing diesel trucks, avoiding the cost of entirely new vehicle platforms.
-
Leverages MAHLE Powertrain’s ECU and hydrogen combustion expertise to ensure performance, safety, and rapid calibration.
-
Offers advantages over BEVs and fuel cells for heavy-duty use cases, with longer duty cycles, heavier payloads, and lower total cost of ownership.
Metier Technologies and MAHLE Powertrain will showcase a newly developed hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle at CENEX Expo in the first week of September, demonstrating how their joint technologies enable the rapid conversion of existing diesel trucks to run on 100% hydrogen fuel. The demonstration vehicle features a 6.7-litre, 6-cylinder engine in a DAF LF220 platform, converted to hydrogen technology through the partnership.
“This project will demonstrate what can be achieved when engineering expertise meets urgent environmental needs,” said James Budgett, Managing Director of Metier Technologies. “Working with MAHLE Powertrain’s established control technology, we’ve proven that existing diesel trucks can be rapidly converted to hydrogen power, offering depot-based fleet operators a practical, commercially viable pathway to zero-emission transport without waiting for entirely new vehicle platforms.”
The Metier project leverages MAHLE Powertrain’s Flexible ECU (MFE) engine control software platform, which has been developed for a wide range of internal combustion engine applications and provides the foundation for rapid hydrogen conversion. MAHLE Powertrain’s sophisticated control system enables the precise mapping and calibration required for hydrogen combustion, whilst its ECU technology ensures optimal performance and safety. Mike Bassett, Engineering Director at MAHLE Powertrain, will touch upon the project as he presents on hydrogen ICE design, including combustion CFD and MAHLE Jet Ignition® (MJI), at CENEX Expo.
Metier’s hydrogen internal combustion engine solution offers superior total cost of ownership compared to battery electric and fuel cell alternatives, enhanced capability for longer duty cycles and heavier payloads, as well as zero emissions operation, enabling access to city centres. The company’s regional approach targets established hydrogen ecosystems in Scotland and the Southwest , working with selected hydrogen providers and synchronising with government hydrogen production commitments through 2030.
The transformation process involves integration of specialised hydrogen injectors, comprehensive engine mapping using MAHLE Powertrain’s MFE platform, and new safety systems. MAHLE Powertrain’s new heavy-duty hydrogen test bed facility in Northampton has enabled the engine mapping and performance optimisation to be completed ahead of CENEX Expo, proving reliability whilst the company’s control technology ensures optimal hydrogen combustion management.
Following the CENEX event, Metier plans proof-of-concept work with targeted fleets by mid-2026, with volume deployment scheduled for early 2027. Metier is developing partnerships with hydrogen suppliers, fleet operators, and leasing companies to create a complete commercial eco-system.
