Hyzon Motors, a hydrogen fuel cell technology developer and global supplier of zero-emission heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and privately held New Way Trucks (New Way) have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to develop a hydrogen fuel cell refuse vehicle for the North American market.
"Zero emission hydrogen fuel cell technology is the key to reducing emissions from many hard-to-abate industries, including refuse collection," said Hyzon Chief Executive Officer Parker Meeks. "The operational capabilities of our Australian fuel cell refuse collection truck trial helped demonstrate that hydrogen fuel cell technology is a viable replacement for traditional diesel engines when it comes to heavy industry and overcomes some of the inherent challenges identified with other zero-emission technologies such as range anxiety, severe operating temperatures, and payload limitations."
Hyzon and New Way plan to develop the initial base FCEV prototype for refuse collection equipment integration. While Hyzon will be responsible for the supply and integration of its advanced fuel cell technology and integrated powertrain, New Way will look after the prototype's Sidewinder XTR automated side-load refuse body.
Hyzon will also partner with REMONDIS Australia to demonstrate the development process.
According to Hyzon, about 120,000 refuse trucks are estimated to be operational across North America, consuming over 953 million gallons of diesel fuel annually.
The integration of FCEVs into refuse collection fleets in North America will help decarbonize the industry and reduce noise pollution from diesel trucks. Hyzon expects fuel cell-powered refuse trucks to perform similarly to both diesel and natural gas trucks.
Initial customer trials for the parties' first North American prototype truck are anticipated to start in the first half of 2024 and consist of both public and private refuse fleets.
Depending on successful trials, Hyzon will begin initial commercial vehicle deliveries in 2025. The trucks are expected to achieve up to a 125-mile driving range, 1,200 refuse cart lifts per route, a lighter unladen weight as compared to an equivalent battery-electric refuse truck, and a refueling time of 15 minutes based on performance observed to date in the REMONDIS trial on deployment.
