HYZON Motors has signed an agreement with AIDRIVERS to develop an integrated vehicle platform for the manufacture of autonomous zero-emission trucks, buses and coaches for off-road industrial mobility operations.
HYZON and AIDRIVERS will work together on the concept, produce and supply of self-propelled hydrogen-powered trucks, buses and coaches with an initial emphasis on ports in the Asia-Pacific region as end-users. The first demonstration of a fully autonomous hydrogen fuel-cell driven truck is planned in 2021, with the first fleet of operating trucks to be delivered in 2022.
“We have seen, over the past few years, many industrial operators around the world get serious about decarbonizing their operations. To this end, HYZON and its parent company Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies have been supplying hydrogen-powered vehicles and fuel-cell solutions to seaports and other industrial operators for many years.
“However, today’s partnership with AIDRIVERS, which is a leader in the autonomous mobility automation sector, combines two of the most innovative aspects of mobility – zero-emission fuel and autonomous driving – to create a safer, smarter and cleaner solution for ports, logistics, airports and other industrial operators around the world. This is the ultimate future of mobility; zero emissions with zero drivers.”
Craig Knight, CEO and co-founder of HYZON Motors.
Industry operators have been automating machinery and vehicles for many years, facilitating greater equipment handling, smoother operations with greater accuracy and increased protection. However, the use of conventional fossil fuels remains prevalent in most activities. As industrial operators accept the energy revolution, the integration of automation and renewable fuels is a new chapter for many seaports and airports.
“While automation is already common in industrial operations, AIDRIVERS is re-shaping industrial mobility by bringing zero-emissions to autonomous driving. This agreement delivers sustainability and truly looks at the future of mobility.
“We are excited to be working with HYZON, an established and pioneering group in global zero-emission mobility, a world leader in fuel-cell technology and already a supplier of hydrogen-powered trucks to ports. This is an exciting partnership, and we look forward to delivering the future of sustainable and safe mobility in the coming years.”
Dr Rafiq Swash, CEO and founder of AIDRIVERS.