FEATURE
Hyzon fuel cell tractor units based on DAF truck platforms will be on New Zealand roads early next year.
Celling the future By Colin Smith
This month we continue to look at hydrogen’s future role in the transport industry with a dive into New Zealand’s early adoption of fuel cell technology for trucks. NEW ZEALAND’S LEARNING CURVE WITH HYDROGEN FUEL CELL trucks is poised to take a rapid upward trajectory. The second of Hyundai New Zealand’s XCIENT hydrogenpowered fuel cell electric trucks was scheduled to arrive in June, at about the same time the first unit begins its trial operation on Kiwi roads. Since its arrival at the end of 2021, the first XCIENT FCEV (fuelcell electric vehicle) has been converted to right-hand-drive and its latest appointment is with a body builder who is repositioning the hydrogen tanks - from the delivery position at the rear of the chassis to stacked behind the cab for commercial use – and completing the body build. Hyundai New Zealand says the first XCIENT FCEV is set to enter service with a New Zealand transport company in mid-2022. This will mark a significant development for the wider hydrogen economy and make carbon-neutral heavy transport a reality on Kiwi highways. In total five XCIENT FCEVs will be involved in the trial and Hyundai says replacing a similar emissions-heavy diesel truck saves an estimated 50-tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
New Zealand’s other significant FCEV pilot project is also gaining momentum, although it’s now running a little behind original schedules due to global supply chain issues. The first of the DAF-based Hyzon 6x4 tractor units is now being built in the Netherlands with the initial batch of what is planned to be 20 trucks now destined to reach New Zealand in early 2023. These trucks have been purchased through Southpac Trucks, are right-hand-drive and built to the same specification as conventionally powered DAFs already on New Zealand roads. From early next year the Hyzon trucks will be leased to companies participating in the $50m trial which has funding support from the Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund (CRFF) and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). Waitomo Group will operate four hydrogen refuelling sites initially in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Palmerston North with more planned from 2023. TR Group general manager Brendan King says global supply chain delays and lockdowns have slowed the build of the Hyzon trucks which had been expected to be on Kiwi roads this year. King says the real-world experience that will be gained from Truck & Driver | 63
