New Zealand Unveils First 50-Tonne Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Truck
TR Group, Global Bus Ventures (GBV), and Toyota New Zealand have unveiled a groundbreaking 50-tonne hydrogen fuel cell electric truck for heavy freight transport. This innovative vehicle, a result of a collaborative effort, marks a significant step towards sustainable road transport in New Zealand.
The joint venture will provide 20 hydrogen-powered trucks through a fully maintained operating lease, reflecting a substantial investment in the tens of millions of dollars. Toyota New Zealand supplied the fuel cells for the truck, demonstrating its commitment to promoting hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. This initiative aligns with Toyota New Zealand's previous hydrogen projects, including the introduction of the Toyota Mirai FCEV in 2022 and the Emirates Team New Zealand 'Chase Zero' hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat.
The hydrogen truck operates similarly to a conventional diesel truck, with comparable refuelling times and a range of 500km. It is a retrofitted DAF CF 530, powered by two Toyota 85kW fuel cells, a 124kWh battery system, and 52kg of onboard hydrogen storage. In New Zealand, Pure Hydrogen Corporation, active in the hydrogen sector, collaborates with Hydrogen Diesel Electric Australia (HDEA) to deploy hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks, aiming to expand zero-emission vehicle offerings including trucks and buses initially in Australia with options for New Zealand expansion.
Tatsuya Ishikawa, CEO, Toyota New Zealand, emphasized that the company's work with hydrogen technology aligns with its global commitment to carbon neutrality. The introduction of this hydrogen fuel cell electric truck signals a shift towards cleaner, more sustainable heavy freight transport in New Zealand.
Read also:
- Mural at blast site in CDMX commemorates Alicia Matías, sacrificing life for granddaughter's safety
- Autonomous Vehicles Hit Manhattan & Brooklyn Streets, Sparking Controversy
- Increased energy demand counters Trump's pro-fossil fuel strategies, according to APG's infrastructure team.
- AI-Powered Transportation Stock's Possible Challenge to Tesla's Autonomous Dreams?
