The award recognises the company’s contribution to zero-emission long-haul transport through the European ZEFES project. The fuel-cell electric truck achieved a range of 850 kilometres in tests conducted by GRUBER Logistics.
Lindau, Germany – 22 October 2026 – GRUBER Logistics has received the 2026 EUSALP Energy Award for its contribution to the ZEFES project, which is demonstrating the potential of zero-emission technologies for long-haul freight transport. Ettore Gualandi and Michael Blaas accepted the award on behalf of GRUBER Logistics during the EUSALP Annual Forum in Lindau, Germany.
The award ceremony took place under the motto “Energy Transition in the Alps: From Innovation to Real Impact.” The presence of national ministers, alongside representatives of regional authorities, public institutions, research organisations and industry, underlined the strategic importance of the event and the role of sustainable mobility in the energy transition across the Alpine region.
For GRUBER Logistics, the recognition represents an important milestone in its efforts to explore and implement innovative solutions for decarbonising road freight transport.
A Scania fuel-cell truck with a range of 850 kilometres
As part of the ZEFES project, GRUBER Logistics is testing a Scania fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) under real-world operating conditions. In tests conducted by GRUBER Logistics, the truck achieved a range of 850 kilometres, demonstrating the potential of hydrogen technology for demanding long-distance logistics operations.
The vehicle combines a hydrogen fuel cell with a battery-electric powertrain. Hydrogen is converted into electricity onboard by the fuel cell to power the electric drivetrain, while the battery stores and supplies electrical energy. The vehicle can also obtain electricity through external charging, alongside refuelling with hydrogen. This combination of energy supply options offers flexibility in how the vehicle is powered and supports the exploration of different operational approaches for zero-emission freight transport.
Testing the truck in real-world logistics operations enables GRUBER Logistics to assess its range, performance and operational requirements, while gaining practical experience with the infrastructure needed to support hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles.
The demonstration addresses one of the key challenges facing the transport sector: how to reduce emissions in long-haul operations while maintaining the range and flexibility required by demanding logistics networks.
Recognising innovation and cooperation in the Alpine region
The EUSALP Energy Award recognises initiatives that contribute to the energy transition in the Alpine region by reducing energy demand and CO₂ emissions. It also promotes knowledge transfer and the replication of successful solutions.
The Brenner Corridor provides a relevant setting for exploring alternative powertrain technologies, given its importance for European freight transport. Demonstrations such as the one conducted by GRUBER Logistics help generate practical knowledge about the deployment of zero-emission vehicles on major transport routes.
The participation of national ministers and representatives from across the Alpine region also highlighted the importance of cooperation between policymakers, industry and research organisations. Advancing sustainable freight transport requires not only technological innovation, but also suitable infrastructure and coordinated efforts to bring new solutions into commercial operation.
ZEFES: Accelerating zero-emission freight transport in Europe
ZEFES (Zero Emission flexible vehicle platforms with modular powertrains serving the long-haul Freight Eco System) is a European research and innovation project co-funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme and coordinated by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
The project brings together partners from across the transport value chain to demonstrate zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles in real-world long-haul freight operations. By evaluating vehicle performance, energy efficiency and the integration of alternative powertrains into existing logistics networks, ZEFES aims to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission solutions across Europe.
Through its participation in ZEFES, GRUBER Logistics is contributing operational expertise and real-world testing experience to the development of more sustainable freight transport. The EUSALP Energy Award recognises these efforts and reinforces the company’s commitment to exploring innovative technologies that can support the transition towards lower-emission logistics.
