Chch mayoral contender seeks hydrogen source for new car

A Christchurch mayoral contender for 2022, councillor Phil Mauger has bought a hydrogen-powered Hyundai Nexo – but is unsure just yet where he can refill the hydrogen.

The Nexo is among just three in the country, brought in as demonstration vehicles, which Mauger says he secured from a relative in Hyundai New Zealand to replace his diesel ute.

“I bought the Nexo because I love technology,” Mauger says. “And I believe that hydrogen is the way of the future. Not to replace EVs but to complement them.”

The Nexo has 666km range, but Mauger tells Stuff he has 400km left in the tank, so he is now seeking a fuel source before the hydrogen runs out.

Having a first Nexo was his aim and Mauger says he was aware hydrogen fuelling issues may occur.

Global Bus Ventures (GBV) in Christchurch made Auckland Transport’s hydrogen bus, so Mauger presumed that if they made one they must have been able to fill it with hydrogen.

“The GBV people were very helpful and passionate,” he explains. “They did have a small station but it has been lent to Emirates Team New Zealand because they are developing a hydrogen chase boat.

“However, the owner of GBV is meeting with a (Christchurch industrial equipment) company called AFcyro to find a solution.”

While public hydrogen stations are planned, the South Island is unlikely to see one for a year.

Publicly accessible hydrogen fuelling stations are planned for the South Island but are not likely in the next 12 months, Hyundai New Zealand says.

“So at this stage, Auckland and now Taupo remain the only locations in which FCEVs (fuel cell electric vehicles) can be refuelled.”