Hyzon Motors Inc. (Hyzon) has achieved a remarkable feat with its liquid hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (LH2 FCEV). Collaborating with Performance Food Group, Inc. (PFG) and Chart Industries, Inc. (Chart), Hyzon completed its maiden commercial run with this groundbreaking vehicle, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of long-distance, zero-emission trucking.
Setting off from Temple, TX, the LH2 FCEV embarked on a grueling journey that encompassed deliveries to eight PFG customers near Dallas, TX. Covering an impressive distance of over 540 miles within a continuous 16-hour run, the vehicle demonstrated its capacity to operate in diverse terrains and sweltering temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This remarkable achievement showcases the potential of liquid hydrogen as an on-board fuel source for long-haul, emission-free transport.
What sets Hyzon’s LH2 FCEV apart is its utilization of liquid hydrogen, a game-changing alternative to the current industry standard of gaseous hydrogen. Liquid hydrogen boasts superior energy density, enabling the vehicle to carry a larger fuel supply without adding weight or compromising payload. To maintain its energy-dense liquid state, hydrogen must be stored at frigid temperatures below negative 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Hyzon’s partnership with Chart Industries yielded a cutting-edge tank system capable of storing and delivering liquid hydrogen at the required pressure.
Jill Evanko, CEO and President of Chart Industries, emphasized the significance of this achievement, particularly in the context of long-haul and heavy-duty transportation. Evanko hailed the successful demonstration as a pivotal step in advancing the commercial viability of hydrogen. The strategic collaboration between Hyzon, PFG, and Chart underscores the potential of liquid hydrogen as a cost-effective and efficient solution for the trucking industry.
Liquid hydrogen as fuel source
The economic advantages of liquid hydrogen as a fuel source are underscored by estimations that suggest it could be up to $5 per kilogram cheaper to dispense compared to high-pressure gaseous hydrogen. This cost differential holds meaningful benefits for fleet owners, making the transition to zero-emission trucking a financially viable proposition. Hyzon’s CEO, Parker Meeks, affirms that liquid hydrogen is not just an environmentally friendly choice but an economically sound approach to long-range emission-free trucking.
For the successful demonstration, the intricate aspects of liquid hydrogen transportation, storage, and dispensing were expertly managed by Certarus, a renowned North American leader in low-carbon energy solutions. The supply of liquid hydrogen was facilitated by Air Liquide, further exemplifying the collaborative synergy that underpins breakthroughs in sustainable transport.
Hyzon’s liquid hydrogen FCEV run stands as a testament to the potential of innovative fueling solutions in revolutionizing the trucking landscape. As the world moves toward decarbonization, Hyzon’s achievement heralds a new era of environmentally conscious, long-distance trucking that combines cutting-edge technology with economic viability.
