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VŠB-TUO participates in the development of hydrogen-powered Tatra trucks with automated steering

21. 10. 2025 News
Tatra Trucks and DEVINN, in cooperation with VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, are launching the development of a new hydrogen-powered Tatra Force e-Drive FCEV 6×4 truck. The project, co-financed by the European Union, will be completed in 2028. The result will be a prototype of a three-axle commercial vehicle designed for municipal services with hydrogen propulsion and the option of automated driving and remote control.
VŠB-TUO participates in the development of hydrogen-powered Tatra trucks with automated steering

The aim of the project is to combine ecological operation with state-of-the-art technologies. The vehicle will not only be environmentally friendly, but will also offer completely new operating modes thanks to advanced electronic, assistance, and automated systems.

The project is based on a strong consortium of partners: Tatra Trucks brings many years of experience in the development of heavy vehicles for demanding operations, DEVINN is one of the leading Czech integrators of hydrogen technologies, and VSB-TUO provides scientific background, expertise, and research in this field.

"The combination of the academic environment with industrial practice is the key to technological progress and to ensuring that the results of science are truly reflected in everyday life. The cooperation with Tatra Trucks and DEVINN is an example of how the university can contribute its research know-how to development while gaining valuable experience for its students and scientific teams. For our university, such a partnership is beneficial not only in the field of applied research, but also in building an innovative environment that strengthens the competitiveness of the entire region," said Igor Ivan, Rector of VSB-TUO.

The Tatra Force e-Drive FCEV 6x4 vehicle is primarily intended for municipal services. Thanks to its electric drive using hydrogen fuel cells, it represents an environmentally friendly solution for operation in low-emission and zero-emission zones. It can be used for municipal waste collection in city centers, landfills, or industrial areas. It will also be ready for demanding conditions such as surface and underground mines or heavy industrial complexes, where high reliability and durability are expected.

The vehicle will be equipped with sensors, radars, lidars, and a high-performance control computer, which will enable the installation of a range of electronic assistance systems and pave the way for automated control of fully autonomous operation. The vehicle will be able to drive without a driver in the cabin and can be controlled remotely via wireless technology. A unique feature will be the integration of a drone that will monitor the vehicle's operation from a bird's eye view.

The partners have previously worked successfully on joint projects. "The combination of Tatra's experience and that of our partners, which we gained, for example, during our collaboration on the Tatra Force e-Drive FCEV 8x6 prototype for mining operations or on the Tatra Force 4x4 vehicle with an automated driving system and advanced ADAS assistance systems, creates ideal conditions for another project that will have results that can be used in everyday practice. In addition to building the Tatra Force e-Drive FCEV 6x4 prototype, the new project aims to help establish suitable conditions for the commercialization of related research outputs and to prepare the groundwork for legislative changes that will set the framework for the everyday operational practice of vehicles of this type," said Kristijan Fiket, CEO of Tatra Trucks.

The collaboration between industrial and academic partners has given rise to a project that combines research with practice and delivers concrete solutions for modern and sustainable transport.