The combination of TATRA TRUCKS’ tradition and DEVINN’s hydrogen expertise is transforming the face of transportation. We already have three unique vehicles and a hydrogen refueling station to our credit. Together, we are dispelling myths about emissions in heavy-duty transport and writing a new chapter in Czech mobility. We take pride in innovations built on the solid foundation of partnership.
What happens when you combine a design school with over a century of tradition and an engineering team for whom hydrogen is second nature? The result is equipment that proves even the most demanding freight transport can be quiet and eco-friendly. But our partnership with Tatra in Kopřivnice isn’t just about technical contracts—it’s about the power of collaboration in expert consortia and pride in Czech industry.
At DEVINN, we believe that true innovation does not happen in isolation. Our journey is marked by close collaboration with leading Czech companies, universities, and research centers. It is this synergy that allows us to embark on projects that push the boundaries of technology further—from the first hydrogen-powered vehicle to advanced autonomous systems. We are delighted to be part of the innovative development of such a traditional Czech brand and to work together to create a future that makes sense.
The first joint milestone was the development of the very first Czech heavy-duty hydrogen-powered truck. This project was a prime example of collaboration within a broad consortium led by ÚJV Řež, which included not only TATRA TRUCKS but also the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, the Řež Research Center, and our team at DEVINN.
Our role was crucial in turning this vision into reality. We designed the complete electrical architecture and ensured the integration of the hydrogen system into the vehicle’s structure. DEVINN engineers were responsible for the design and implementation of the wiring harnesses, hydrogen distribution lines, and heating and cooling systems. We developed our own software for the control unit, which coordinates the interaction between the drive system, fuel cells, and batteries. When the vehicle was unveiled at the H2 Forum in 2023, the world saw that hydrogen is capable of handling even the toughest terrain.
Building on our experience with hydrogen technology, we launched another project—the development of a fully battery-powered truck. For this project, we collaborated with Tatra and the Czech branch of Eaton Elektrotechnika. The goal was to demonstrate that even full electrification can be robust and reliable.
At DEVINN, we were tasked with designing the traction drive and the entire high-voltage architecture. We handled the electrification of all components previously powered by an internal combustion engine—from 24V battery charging to pumps and heating. A particular challenge was the software synchronization of the traction motor with the automated transmission to ensure smooth shifting even under extreme loads. The result, unveiled at e-SALON 2025, confirmed that we can bring even the most demanding electrical systems to life.
Photo: Tatra Trucks
The third generation pushes the boundaries even further, into the realm of automation. In collaboration with Tatra and VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava, we are developing a vehicle that combines hydrogen propulsion with automated driving. While our colleagues in Ostrava are teaching Tatra to “see” its surroundings using advanced sensors and algorithms, DEVINN is responsible for the vehicle’s entire powertrain.
Our expertise in this area includes the development of hydrogen propulsion systems, the integration of fuel cells and storage systems, and the configuration of energy recovery modes. This version is lighter, more maneuverable, and designed for urban low-emission zones or enclosed areas. It demonstrates that the future of transportation lies in the combination of hydrogen and automated driving modes.
Source: Tatra Trucks
We know that even the best technology won’t run without fuel. To ensure that the hydrogen-powered Tatra can operate even in open-pit mines far from regular gas stations, we’ve developed a portable hydrogen refueling station based on our H2PORT project.
This station can refuel tanks with 100 kg of hydrogen in just 30 minutes right on-site, enabling the prototype to be deployed even in locations without fixed infrastructure. We offer our partners more than just technology—we provide a comprehensive and functional ecosystem that eliminates risks and ensures smooth operation.
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Our collaboration with Tatra and our partners from both the academic and industrial sectors reinforces our belief that Czech companies can compete at the highest level in global development. We are proud to be part of the development of such a traditional brand and that our engineering expertise is helping to write its new, zero-emission history. For DEVINN, every such consortium represents an opportunity to prove that the greatest achievements arise from partnership and mutual trust.
These projects were implemented with financial support from state funds through the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic under the TREND program and co-financed by the European Union. The last-mentioned project—the development of a TATRA hydrogen vehicle with automated driving modes—was supported by the OP TAK program and is therefore also co-financed by the European Union. It is precisely thanks to these grant programs that we at DEVINN, together with our partners, can transform bold visions into real prototypes and accelerate the path of Czech innovations into practical application.
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