TR Group across the ditch in New Zealand has announced the launch of an ambitious zero emission truck project that will see it involved in the supply of hydrogen fuel cell trucks initially in partnership with Global Bus Ventures (GBV), K1W1 and Toyota New Zealand using an adapted DAF CF 530.
The truck and trailer rental specialist has launched a hydrogen 50-tonne prime mover at a customer event at the Hampton Downs Racetrack, south of Auckland which has been produced in partnership with Global and Toyota NZ.
The company says the truck offers a practical zero-emissions solution for heavy freight transport and says it can operate with conventional trailers and loads, with refuelling times comparable with diesel trucks and that it will align with normal operator driving hours and schedules.
TR Group claims that the hydrogen fuel cell truck can operate like a conventional diesel truck, but without the emissions.
The 50-tonne GVM hydrogen fuel cell prime mover has been built on a DAF CF 530 prime mover platform, using a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell conversion which has been handled Globa Bus Ventures in New Zealand . The truck’s energy comes from two Toyota 85kW Mirai fuel cells, delivering a total of 170kW total, and with a 124kWh battery system, with around 52kg of onboard hydrogen storage onboard, which the company says will provide approximately 450 to 500km of driving range.
Power for the truck is delivered by a 350kW/2400Nm electric motor paired with a six-speed gearbox, providing plenty of flexible pulling power according to TR Group NZ.
The company says that Global Bus Ventures (GBV) has been producing heavy vehicles for more than 50 years and is well known for its electric heavy vehicle innovation.
TR Group said that the GBV today stands as New Zealand’s leading hydrogen vehicle integrator. and is best known for introducing New Zealand’s first hydrogen heavy vehicle, the Auckland Transport hydrogen bus, while more recently, it designed and supplied hydrogen-electric power systems for America’s Cup chase boats.
Mike Parker, the executive vice president of GVB, said this prime mover represents several years of R&D, making its launch into commercial operation a significant milestone for the company.
Tatsuya Ishikawa, the CEO of Toyota New Zealand, said Toyota’s ongoing work with hydrogen technology in New Zealand aligns with its global commitment to carbon neutrality.
“From heavy-duty commercial vehicles to hydrogen-powered marine vessels and off-grid generators, Toyota is demonstrating that hydrogen is more than just a fuel—it’s a key part of the clean energy future.,” said Ishikawa.
“Through its investments and collaborations, Toyota New Zealand is helping to build a robust hydrogen ecosystem that will benefit both businesses and communities across the country,” he added.
“Through our diverse efforts, Toyota New Zealand is bolstering the domestic hydrogen industry while also demonstrating the versatility and potential of hydrogen technology in creating a sustainable energy landscape,” he concluded.
NZ general manager of the TR Group, Brendan King, said that having been on the decarbonisation journey for several years now, and with over 60 battery-electric trucks and New Zealand’s first commercial heavy hydrogen truck the company is delighted to further expand its hydrogen truck options for its customers.
“This includes 16 hydrogen 50-tonne prime movers, four Hyundai Xcient FCEV rigid chassis trucks, as well as several CH2NGE dual-fuel truck options,” King said.
TR Group class the 20 zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell trucks are part of a Government-supported program alongside Hiringa Energy, which already has three hydrogen fuel stations operating in NZ, with one more now under construction. It said that the government support enabled the first 20 zero-emission hydrogen trucks to be offered at competitive lease rates.
Hiringa Energy co-founder and chief executive AndrewClennett said having a New Zealand-based truck integrator now makes hydrogen more viable than ever.
“Hydrogen is ultra-fast, reliable and available now and the Hiringa refuelling network covers 95 per cent of North Island freight routes, allowing transport operators to reduce carbon emissions without impacting productivity, this meets the growing customer demand for decarbonised supply chains,” said Clennett.
“We congratulate TR Group and GBV on this milestone achievement and look forward to having these trucks on the network,” he added.
TR Group also said in its statement that Hyundai New Zealand is also delighted to continue its support for the increased use of Hydrogen FCEV trucks in New Zealand with an additional four of its Xcient FCEV heavy duty trucks set to complement the success of the first Hyundai truck, operated by NZ Post contractor Shea Transport.
Truck and Bus has reported on the NZ Post trial of the Hyundai FCEV trucks in an extensive feature story in 2023
The company said that the truck is operating seamlessly in the NZ Post network, with 180,000kms already on the clock, and having already achieved 201 tonnes of C02 emission reductions compared to conventional diesel trucks to date.
TR Group said that efficient heavy transport is all about moving the most freight with the fewest trucks possible while staying within legal driving limitations.
The company added that green hydrogen is the only zero-emission solution that performs just like a diesel truck. It added that a driver of a hydrogen truck can start a 12-hour shift, drive for 5.5 hours, take a driver break, then drive for another 5.5 hours, with a quick 15-minute refuel as needed, adding that a driver swap allows the cycle to repeat ensuring continuous, efficient operation.
TR Group said that it is not only reaffirming its commitment to alternative fuels but also setting a strong example for the industry.
“Our goal is to become the best in the world at hiring trucks and trailers and that means we will be at the forefront of the latest technology with cleaner, more efficient transport solutions and shaping a sustainable future for heavy transport,” the company said.
“Our Hydrogen truck options are here, they have a fuel network that works, and you can use them in the same way as a traditional diesel truck – just without the emissions,” it added.
