TR Group shows 50-tonne hydrogen prime mover truck

TR Group launched its hydrogen 50-tonne prime mover truck with a customer event at Hampton Downs Racetrack, produced in partnership with Global Bus Ventures (GBV) which converted the DAF CF 530 truck to hydrogen, K1W1 and Toyota New Zealand.

This truck offers a practical zero-emissions solution for heavy freight transport and can operate with conventional trailers and loads, the group says.

It has comparable refuelling times with diesel and will align with normal operator driving hours and schedules.

The truck’s energy comes from two Toyota 85kW fuel cells (170kW total), a 124kWh battery system, and 52kg of onboard hydrogen storage, providing 450-500km range.

Power is delivered by a 350kW/2400Nm electric motor paired with a six-speed gearbox.

GBV has been producing heavy vehicles for more than 50 years and known for its electric heavy vehicle innovation and as a leading hydrogen vehicle integrator.

The company introduced New Zealand’s first hydrogen heavy vehicle, the Auckland Transport hydrogen bus, and designed and supplied hydrogen-electric power systems for the America’s Cup chase boats.

This prime mover represents several years of R&D, making its launch into commercial operation a significant milestone for the company,” says GVB executive vice president Mike Parker.

Toyota New Zealand chief executive Tatsuya Ishikawa says Toyota’s ongoing work with hydrogen technology in New Zealand aligns with its global commitment to carbon neutrality.

“From heavy-duty commercial vehicles to hydrogen-powered marine vessels and off-grid generators, Toyota is demonstrating that hydrogen is more than just a fuel—it’s a key part of the clean energy future.

“Through its investments and collaborations, Toyota New Zealand is helping to build a robust hydrogen ecosystem that will benefit both businesses and communities across the country – bolstering the domestic hydrogen industry while also demonstrating the versatility and potential of hydrogen technology in creating a sustainable energy landscape.”

TR Group general manager Brendan King says that having been on the decarbonisation journey for several years, and with more than 60 battery-electric trucks and New Zealand’s first commercial heavy hydrogen truck, the group is delighted to expand its hydrogen truck options for customers.

“This includes 16 hydrogen 50-tonne prime movers, four Hyundai Xcient FCEV rigid chassis trucks, as well as several CH2NGE dual-fuel truck options.”

The 20 zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell trucks are part of a government-supported programme alongside Hiringa Energy, which already has three hydrogen fuel stations operating with another under construction in Tauranga expected to be operating from June this year.

 Government support enables the first 20 zero-emission hydrogen trucks to be offered at competitive lease rates, says King.

Hiringa Energy co-founder and chief executive Andrew Clennett says having a New Zealand-based truck integrator now makes hydrogen more viable than ever.

“Hydrogen is ultra-fast, reliable and available now,” he says.

“The Hiringa refuelling network covers 95% of North Island freight routes, allowing transport operators to reduce carbon emissions without impacting productivity – this meets the growing customer demand for decarbonised supply chains.”

Hyundai New Zealand says it is delighted to continue supporting increased use of hydrogen FCEV trucks with an additional four Xcient heavy duty trucks to complement the success of the first Hyundai truck, operated by NZ Post contractor Shea Transport. With 180,000km already on the clock, the truck is operating seamlessly in the NZ Post network having already achieved 201 tonnes of C02 avoided to date, it says.

A hydrogen truck driver can start a 12-hour shift, drive for 5.5 hours, take a driver break, then drive for another 5.5 hours, says TR Group.

With a quick 15-minute refuel as needed, a driver swap allows the cycle to repeat—ensuring continuous, efficient operation, it says.

TR Group says its goal of becoming the best in the world at hiring trucks and trailers means it will be at the forefront of the latest technology with cleaner, more efficient transport solutions and shaping a sustainable future for heavy transport.

Contact Grant Doull on +64 21 379 197 or grant.doull@trgroup.co.nz for information.