A research consortium led by Vienna University of Technology is developing a Steyr-based hydrogen tractor (Hytrac) plus on-farm hydrogen production, storage and refuelling to assess a practical route to lower-carbon farm mechanisation.
Hytrac pairs a direct-injection hydrogen internal combustion engine with an electric power-split eCVT and a high-voltage battery to power implements electrically.
Hydrogen offers higher gravimetric energy than diesel but low volumetric density requires large high-pressure tanks and infrastructure investment.
Work builds on Steyr’s FCtrac concept and uses a donor Steyr Expert (100–140 hp) as the baseline vehicle for real-world systems testing.
The aim of the Hytrac research project is to demonstrate a practical pathway towards low-carbon agricultural mechanisation and greater farm energy independence. The project is being led by Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), with Steyr one of multiple project partners involved. The integrated hydrogen energy system being examined would combine hydrogen-powered tractor technology with on-farm fuel storage and refuelling infrastructure.
The project aims to create a fully integrated smart energy system linked to hydrogen production, storage and refuelling infrastructure for increased practicality and efficiency. Key project technologies include a hydrogen internal combustion engine (H 2 ICE) and an advanced electric power-split electric continuously variable transmission (eCVT). The new project is focused around combining hydrogen power with an electric power-split eCVT, which is developed by Austrian high-tech engineering group VDS Holding GmbH.
Hydrogen-powered tractors explored in Steyr Hytrac project. Wien, making the Hytrac a clear successor to that concept machine. A Steyr Expert, the tractor which the Hytrac is based on.
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