Hyzon to deliver 1500 hydrogen trucks to NZ

US-based Hyzon Motors is promising to deliver 1500 hydrogen fuel-cell trucks (FCEVs) to New Zealand over the next five years with the first fleet arriving by the end of the year. 

The announcement is part of a vehicle supply agreement with New Plymouth-based Hiringa Energy signed in August last year. 

The trucks will be fuelled by Hiringa’s nationwide “green hydrogen” refuelling network located on key partner sites such as Waitomo Group’s existing fuel stops and Hyzon will build and supply the heavy vehicles.

The network is on track to begin refuelling operations this year, expanding to eight hydrogen stations across New Zealand’s North and South Islands in 2022, servicing 100% of the North Island and 82% of the South Island’s heavy freight routes.

The agreement also secures access for Hiringa’s Kiwi fleet partners TR Group and TIL Logistics to the heavy FCEVs. 

The fuel cell trucks will be assembled at Hyzon’s facility in Winschoten, The Netherlands and will be manufactured in full compliance with local New Zealand requirements. 

Hyzon says it plans to have up to 1500 fuel cell trucks on New Zealand roads by 2026 as part of the deal with Hiringa.

The trucks will be built in a 6×4 configuration, will include a sleeper cab option and will have a gross combination mass (GCM) of 58 metric tonnes (64 US tons) and range of 680km. 

In addition to the clean energy benefits, another key highlight is the comparable-to-diesel refuelling times, providing a “drop in” solution for freight operators to replace their diesel fleets, Hyzon says. 

Hyzon Motors chief executive Craig Knight says New Zealand is seen “as an attractive market” for the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technology. 

“The hydrogen supply network designed by Hiringa is a key enabler for the realisation of our decarbonisation strategy. 

“This partnership aims to position New Zealand as a global leader in the adoption of zero emission heavy vehicle technology, and we are pleased to be playing a major role in this transition. 

“Deploying 1500 fuel cell trucks by 2026 is going to make a massive contribution to local decarbonization efforts,” Knight says. 

Hiringa chairperson Cathy Clennett says the order is a “significant milestone” and the culmination of many hours of work from the Hyzon and Hiringa teams. 

“We are very excited to have New Zealand road compliant heavy trucks capable of meeting New Zealand’s transport needs arriving in country this year. 

“This is a key step to decarbonising our road transport, a growing industry that Kiwis rely on everyday as it supplies us with food, products, and essential goods. 

“We are pleased leading New Zealand brands are stepping up to participate in this exciting initiative. Consumers and companies are becoming more aware of emissions and together with Hyzon we are providing kiwi businesses with a viable solution,” Clennett says. 

Hiringa chief executive Andrew Clennett says the team are committed to “driving the cost of the technology down and unlocking widespread adoption of zero emission heavy transport for New Zealanders”. 

Hyzon recently announced it is set to become a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq through a $US2.7 billion merger agreement. It also has its sights set on the Australian transportation market and signed a deal with ASX-listed energy firm Viva Energy to work together on hydrogen refuelling solutions. Viva Energy will invest US$4 million as part of the deal.