Is a SISU Truck Running on Electricity? Yes, But It’s Not a BEV

The pilot project, led by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, has introduced a high-tech hybrid truck combining electric mobility and hydrogen fuel cells in a unique way. The SISU Escalate truck, manufactured by Sisu Auto, runs primarily on electricity, and the hydrogen fuel cells serve as an alternative power source for quick charging on long haul assignments. The truck will start normal transport operation in late 2026, and its journey will be continuously monitored and measured through vehicle data and a digital twin.

A 540 km Per Day Zero Emissions Heavy-Duty Vehicle

“We will collect data on the technology, energy consumption, and overall functionality and reliability of different solutions. The vehicle will drive 540 kilometres per day, during which we will monitor how much electricity and hydrogen it is using,” says Mikko Pihlatie, Research Professor at VTT.

The project involves several partners from Finland. The vehicle is manufactured by Sisu Auto, the battery system comes from IONCOR, Kempower supplies the MCS charging infrastructure, while Hevtec is responsible for the vehicle-side charging solution and the integration of the electric powertrain. The truck will be operated by Jylhä Logistics between Vuosaari harbour in southern Finland and the city of Jyväskylä in central Finland. The vehicle’s first, full-electric version was tested in spring 2026 by logistics company Rauanheimo.

“By monitoring the truck for six months, we will gain data about the vehicle’s performance, the ways different factors such as weather conditions impact consumption, and what limitations may occur in the operation of the vehicle. This information will help us develop the charging station network and optimise energy consumption,” Pihlatie says.

The data will allow the pilot team to calculate the most economic ways of driving this kind of hybrid vehicle. Price data on hydrogen fuel and charging will enable the team to estimate how much energy should be loaded and where. The data is benchmarked against diesel-powered vehicles to assess cost benefits.

Finnish Winter

The truck will operate as an articulated vehicle and also take on regional distribution assignments in the Helsinki metropolitan area. It utilises Finland’s first hydrogen fuel station built in Jyväskylä. There are charging stations at both ends of the long haul route, and a megawatt scale charging station will be built along it.

“A total of four trucks are piloted across Europe in this project, with different structures and power sources. SISU Escalate is the heaviest and longest of these. With its size and the difficult winter conditions in Finland, the operating environment of this truck is the most demanding of the four,” says Pihlatie.

The vehicle will explore particularly how zero-emission powertrains and charging and fuel stations perform in vehicle configurations used in Finland and Sweden. The two countries use longer and heavier articulated vehicles weighing up to 76 tonnes, whereas in other parts of Europe, the total mass of articulated trucks tends to be around 40 tonnes. In this pilot, the gross vehicle combination weight is limited to 68 tonnes.

The truck includes a 650 kWh battery and, as a secondary power source, a fuel cell with a maximum power of 120 kW. Due to the hydrogen tanks and battery pack, the chassis is longer than usual for tractor units. 

Truck full of high tech

The pilot is part of the EU-funded ESCALATE project, which aims to prove that a zero-emission heavy vehicle can operate reliably in real-world driving conditions.

“The SISU Escalate truck is not a product that will be launched in the market, but rather a means for testing the technology. With the learnings from the pilot, we can choose the best solutions for a product series developed for the market. The data will help us develop energy management systems and optimise driving with the battery to maximise the distance that can be driven with electricity. Hydrogen is, after all, the more expensive fuel,” says Petri Kananen, Head of Development at Sisu Auto.

“Battery technology is a key element in the electrification of traffic. The pilot is carried out with a highly demanding setup: the modular battery platform must function in a 76-tonne articulated vehicle, in harsh winter conditions, and on a long-haul route,” says Juuso Kelkka, Senior Manager of Technology Development at IONCOR. “With this truck, we can prove that a lithium-ion battery is a viable solution even in these conditions.”

The SISU Escalate truck was displayed at the European Hydrogen Week 2026, held 26-30 October 2026 in Brussels, Belgium.

Highlights

• Innovative Hybrid Powertrain: The SISU Escalate truck runs primarily on electricity from a 650 kWh battery, using a 120 kW hydrogen fuel cell as a secondary power source for quick charging during long-haul trips.
• Demanding Test Conditions: Led by VTT, the pilot will test how this 68-tonne zero-emission vehicle handles real-world freight routes and harsh Finnish winter conditions over a 6-month period, driving 540 km daily.
• Data-Driven Optimization: Researchers will continuously monitor the truck’s performance using vehicle data and a digital twin to optimize energy consumption, calculate cost benefits against diesel, and improve charging infrastructure.
• Part of a Broader EU Initiative: This trial is part of the EU-funded ESCALATE project, which is piloting four different heavy-duty zero-emission trucks across Europe to prove their reliability in heavy freight transport.

What is the role of IONCOR in the SISU Escalate truck pilot?

IONCOR is a Finnish modular battery manufacturer, for trucsk&buses, off-highway applications and passenger cars. It’s the official partner responsible for supplying the truck’s battery system, which features a substantial capacity of 650 kWh to support heavy-duty transport.

What infrastructure is Kempower providing for this project?

Kempower is supplying the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) infrastructure, ensuring the vehicle can access high-power charging along its long-haul route.

Who Is Hevtec?

Hevtec is an independent electrification partner for NRMM OEMs. Complete powertrain system, from architecture to commissioning and lifetime support.

Why is the operating environment for this specific pilot considered the most demanding in Europe?

The SISU Escalate is the heaviest and longest of the four trucks piloted in the EU project (operating at 68 tonnes), and it must prove its reliability during the challenging Finnish winter.

Where will the truck operate and what route will it take?

Operated by Jylhä Logistics, the truck will run a long-haul route between Vuosaari harbour in southern Finland and the city of Jyväskylä in central Finland, as well as handling regional distribution in the Helsinki metropolitan area.