Hyzon Motors Europe is to supply 1,500 zero-emission hydrogen trucks in New Zealand. The partnership fire between Groningen-based Holthausen Clean Technology and US truck manufacturer Hyzon Motors will enter into an agreement with New Zealand-based Hiringa Energy for this purpose.
Hiringa Energy sets itself the goal of decarbonising New Zealand. The company is currently working to expand its hydrogen fuelling station infrastructure in the country. Hiringa Energy aims to have eight hydrogen refuelling stations available in New Zealand by 2022. This is said to be enough to serve 100% of cargo routes on the North Island and 82% of cargo routes on New Zealand's South Island.
Production in Winschoten
The hydrogen trucks ordered by Hiringa Energy from Hyzon Motors will be built at a plant in Winschoten, the Netherlands, and then shipped to New Zealand. Production will take place according to local New Zealand legislation and requirements. The company expects the first batch of vehicles to enter service in New Zealand by the end of 2021. All 1,500 vehicles should be delivered by the end of 2026.
The vehicles come in 6×4 configurations and are optionally available with sleeper cabs. The trucks have a combination weight of 58 tonnes and a range of 680 kilometres.
Fast refuelling
According to Hyzon Motors, a key advantage of hydrogen - besides its environmental benefits - is the speed with which the vehicles can be refuelled. This is similar to that of diesel trucks, making it easier for companies to incorporate hydrogen trucks into their existing diesel fleet and associated schedules.
"We see New Zealand as an attractive market for the roll-out of our hydrogen fuel cell technology. The hydrogen network designed by Hiringa is an important prerequisite for the realisation of our decarbonisation strategy. The partnership aims to position New Zealand as a global leader in embracing technology zero-emission heavy vehicles, and we are pleased to play a major role in this transition. The rollout of 1,500 fuel cell trucks up to 2026 is a major contribution to local decarbonisation initiatives," said Craig Knight, Chief Executive Officer of Hyzon Motors.
Financial details of the deal are lacking.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source photo: Hiringa Energy
