Hexagon Purus has announced a significant step in its collaboration with Toyota North America (TMNA), supplying components for the serial production of heavy-duty fuel cell electric powertrain kits.
These components include a complete hydrogen storage system and a high voltage battery pack. This collaboration, which began in 2017, aims to develop fuel cell electric powertrain kits for Class 8 trucks, with early projects like the “Alpha” truck for the Port of Los Angeles and the “Ocean” trucks used in the ZANZEFF “Shore to Store” program.
According to Todd Sloan, Executive Vice President of Battery Systems and Vehicle Integration at Hexagon Purus, this partnership aims to advance zero emission commercial transportation, highlighting hydrogen’s potential to reduce emissions in heavy-duty transportation. While this ambition aligns with global decarbonization goals, it is essential to consider the practical challenges and benchmarks within the industry.
The integration of Hexagon Purus’s hydrogen storage system and high voltage battery pack with Toyota’s fuel cell stacks promises a comprehensive solution for customers. However, the industry faces significant hurdles in terms of infrastructure, cost, and scalability. Hydrogen storage and transportation infrastructure are still underdeveloped compared to conventional fuels and electric charging networks.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) assembles dual fuel-cell modules for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty commercial trucks. While the production capabilities are in place, the scalability of such projects remains a critical challenge. The current market for hydrogen fuel cell trucks is nascent, and large-scale adoption will require substantial investment in both production and refueling infrastructure.
Toyota’s receipt of a Zero Emission Powertrain (ZEP) Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is a notable achievement. This certification is crucial for compliance with California’s stringent emissions regulations and facilitates market entry for heavy-duty fuel cell electric trucks. However, achieving regulatory compliance is just one part of the puzzle. Ensuring that these vehicles can operate effectively and economically on a large scale is equally important.
Hydrogen-powered vehicles emit only water vapor, presenting a clear environmental advantage over diesel engines. However, the environmental benefits are contingent on the hydrogen production methods. Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, offers significant emission reductions, while grey hydrogen, derived from natural gas, still produces substantial CO2 emissions. The industry must focus on scaling green hydrogen production to maximize environmental benefits.
