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The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) is the trade association for the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industry, and is dedicated to the commercialization of fuel cells and hydrogen energy technologies. Fuel cells and hydrogen energy technologies deliver clean, reliable power to leading edge corporate, academic and public sector users, and FCHEA members are helping to transform our energy future. FCHEA represents the full global supply chain, including universities, government laboratories and agencies, trade associations, fuel cell materials, components and systems manufacturers, hydrogen producers and fuel distributors, utilities and other end users.

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Fuel Cell Customers - Medium and Heavy-Duty Transportation Update

Connor Dolan

By Gio Liguori

There has been incredible progress over the last year in the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industry, especially among medium- and heavy-duty transportation vehicles. As a crucial component in the fight against climate change, the conversion of high-emissions and diesel vehicles to low- and zero-emissions energy sources has been a top priority for many governments and corporations around the world. As more and more zero-emission passenger cars hit the road, focus has shifted towards making all vehicles more climate friendly. Recent developments in medium and heavy-duty hydrogen-powered transportation are detailed below.

Hyundai

FCHEA member Hyundai has partnered with the Korea Automotive Technology Institute to test their prototype of the world’s first fuel cell garbage truck. The vehicle has begun a 12-month experiment period in the port city of Changwon, South Korea, to ensure its efficacy, usefulness, and safety. The garbage truck is able to travel 346 kilometers (~215 miles) on a full tank of 25 kg of hydrogen. Changwon continues to set an example for the rest of the world with its implementation of clean energy vehicles; last year, the city introduced Korea’s first fuel cell powered bus into service.

Hyundai’s fuel cell garbage truck. (Hyundai)

Hyundai’s fuel cell garbage truck. (Hyundai)

Toyota

Following up on the previous installment of this blog series, FCHEA member Toyota’s partnership with Kenworth has delivered two fuel cell-powered trucks to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in December 2020. The heavy-duty truck prototypes use improved versions of the new 2021 Toyota Mirai fuel cell and sport a range of about 300 miles. Funded by the government of California under their Zero and Near Zero Emissions Freight Forwarding (ZANZEFF) initiative, these two trucks are the first of 15 to be tested around the state. These models have begun drayage operations in the ports to determine their effectiveness before more models are produced.

Toyota and Kenilworth’s fuel-cell truck. (Toyota)

Toyota and Kenilworth’s fuel-cell truck. (Toyota)

Nuvera

FCHEA member Nuvera reached an agreement with Hyster-Yale Group and Capacity Trucks in December 2020 to integrate fuel cells in terminal tractors for shipping ports. Nuvera’s goal is prototype testing for these heavy-duty vehicles in 2021. Nuvera is already involved in the industrial truck market, with its fuel cells in forklifts and other heavy-duty applications, including in buses, trucks, and various vehicles in China.

Cummins

As part of the US Department of Energy’s H2@Scale initiative, FCHEA member Cummins has teamed up with Navistar to develop a Class 8 truck running on fuel cells. Cummins’ model will be powered by two HD90 fuel cells; different fuel cells in the stack can be turned on and off at different points to ensure maximum performance and efficiency. Following its development, Cummins will be starting a year-long trial period for their model, focusing on achieving a 300-mile range and proving its superiority over current heavy-duty trucks.

Cummins’ fuel-cell truck prototype on display at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show. (Fleet Equipment Magazine)

Cummins’ fuel-cell truck prototype on display at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show. (Fleet Equipment Magazine)

Navistar/General Motors

Navistar is also working with FCHEA member General Motors (GM) to utilize GM’s Hydrotec fuel cell power cubes to power the electric version of their long-haul International RH Series truck. Each fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) will be powered by 2 Hydrotec cubes, consisting of durable and portable 300 fuel cells.

Daimler/Mercedes-Benz

Daimler has recently introduced a Mercedes-Benz hydrogen-powered long-haul truck, the GenH2, capable of traveling 1,000 kilometers on a full tank of liquid hydrogen. Test trials are expected to begin by 2023, with large scale production planned for the latter half of the 2020s.

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These companies, many of which are FCHEA members, have made great strides towards creating a hydrogen-powered fleet with a wide range of specializations. With a vast number of prototypes produced and trials being conducted, it is incredibly realistic to see many, if not most, of these vehicles entering service in the very near future. While it is still an undertaking to create the required hydrogen infrastructure and replace diesel models with fuel cell models, many companies have shown their willingness to commit to this change. Not only will this transition be exceptionally beneficial to the environment, but it would also cut costs while maintaining a high level of performance. Thanks to these impressive feats, the future of medium- and heavy-duty trucking looks both eco-friendly and efficient.