EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies (EKPO) will exhibit its portfolio of high-performance fuel cell stacks and components at the Hydrogen Technology World Expo in Hamburg from October 20 to 22, 2026. At Booth 7H46 in Hall 7, the company will also present HyFleet, the world's first road-legal hydrogen-powered side-by-side vehicle, which features EKPO's NM12 fuel cell stack. The announcement, made via NEWMEDIAWIRE, highlights the growing application of hydrogen technology in demanding specialty vehicle sectors.
The HyFleet project, developed by BRP-Rotax in collaboration with industry and research partners, demonstrates how fuel cell technology can be applied to energy-intensive special-purpose vehicles. The side-by-side vehicle offers a range of up to 400 kilometers and a refueling time of approximately five minutes. At the heart of the system is EKPO's NM12 stack, which delivers high power density and forms the basis for a 90 kW fuel cell system with an efficiency of up to 60%. The system responds rapidly to load changes and has undergone extensive on- and off-road testing under real-world conditions. A passive hydrogen recirculation system, developed with HyCentA, enhances robustness and efficiency, while an innovative two-step needle ejector reduces mechanical complexity. The system also features cold-start and freeze-start capability at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for winter and alpine conditions.
"HyFleet shows how we are applying our many years of fuel cell expertise to new mobility applications," said Dr. Stefan Dwenger, Managing Director of EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies GmbH. "Hydrogen is particularly well suited to demanding on- and off-road applications that require long operating hours and high availability." The HyFleet initiative is generating insights into hydrogen-powered specialty vehicles for use in agriculture, forestry, tourism, municipal services, and industry. It takes an integrated approach, considering every stage from local green hydrogen production to the powertrain, vehicle, and scalable refueling infrastructure. Stefan Arndt, General Manager BRP-Rotax, VP R&D Powertrain, added, "HyFleet has demonstrated that a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain can also work successfully in a compact special-purpose vehicle designed for off-road use. In EKPO, we have a partner that brought extensive experience in developing and industrializing fuel cell stacks to the project."
EKPO's presence at the expo underscores its commitment to advancing hydrogen mobility. With over 20 years of experience, the company will display fuel cell stacks and components for mobile and stationary applications, with power outputs ranging from 16 kW to more than 400 kW. These modular platforms are engineered for high power density, efficiency, and dependable operation. EKPO also develops customized stack solutions and metal bipolar plates for PEM electrolyzers, supporting green hydrogen production. The HyFleet project received funding through the Zero Emission Mobility program, administered by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). Further details are available on www.newmediawire.com.
This news matters because it signals a significant step toward decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and municipal services, where long operating hours and high availability are critical. By proving that hydrogen fuel cells can work in compact, off-road vehicles, EKPO and its partners are opening new markets for hydrogen technology. The implications extend to fleet operators, equipment manufacturers, and energy providers, who may increasingly adopt hydrogen solutions to meet emission targets. As the world seeks to reduce carbon emissions, innovations like HyFleet could accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility across diverse industries.
