Toyota NZ Drives Hydrogen Revolution in Heavy Transport Sector
Key Ideas
  • Toyota NZ, in collaboration with TR Group and Global Bus Ventures, launches a hydrogen 50-tonne prime mover for heavy freight transport, demonstrating a practical zero-emissions solution.
  • The hydrogen-powered truck, retrofitted as a fuel cell electric vehicle, boasts comparable refueling times with diesel, a range of 500km, and aligns with normal driving schedules.
  • TR Group, supported by Hiringa Energy and the New Zealand government, plans to offer 20 hydrogen-powered trucks on lease, marking a multimillion-dollar investment in the technology.
  • Toyota's commitment to hydrogen technology extends beyond trucks to include the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell cars and maritime vessels, showcasing the versatility and potential of hydrogen in various sectors.
Toyota New Zealand, in partnership with TR Group and Global Bus Ventures, has unveiled a hydrogen 50-tonne prime mover designed for heavy freight transport. This zero-emission fuel cell electric vehicle conversion by Global Bus Ventures offers a practical solution for reducing emissions in the transport sector. The truck, based on the DAF CF 530, is powered by two Toyota 85kW fuel cells, a 124kWh battery system, and 52kg of onboard hydrogen storage, providing a range of 500km. TR Group, in collaboration with Hiringa Energy and the government, plans to offer 20 hydrogen-powered trucks on lease, representing a significant investment in the technology. Toyota New Zealand's CEO, Tatsuya Ishikawa, emphasizes the company's commitment to promoting hydrogen as a sustainable energy source, highlighting its various applications in commercial vehicles, motorsports, marine vessels, and off-grid generators. The partnership aims to increase the number of hydrogen-powered freight vehicles on New Zealand roads and build a robust hydrogen ecosystem to benefit businesses and communities. Toyota's hydrogen technology extends to the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell cars, like the Toyota Mirai, in the country's commercial fleet leasing scheme. Additionally, Toyota has ventured into maritime applications with the 'Chase Zero', a hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat used during the America's Cup racing events. TR Group's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Project Manager, Grant Doull, stresses the importance of collaboration and infrastructure development to scale up hydrogen as a viable solution for New Zealand's heavy transport sector, marking a significant step in decarbonization efforts.
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