Symbio awarded $2M grant to construct hydrogen fuel cell truck

As fleets strive for a carbon-free future, a quiet battle for the industry’s future is being conducted between BEVs and FCEVs.

Amazon and UPS officials stated last year that they envision a role for hydrogen FCEVs in their fleets, citing the cars’ less weight, faster charging, and longer range compared to BEVs. However, both companies believe hydrogen is a longer-term solution than BEVs.

The Central Valley Express project represents an opportunity to “address current commercialization barriers and accelerate the adoption of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty mobility solutions in the goods movement market,” according to an announcement from Rob Del Core, general manager of Symbio North America.

According to the firms, the vehicles will be powered by Symbio’s fuel stack technology, StackPack, in conjunction with Faurecia’s hydrogen storage system and Michelin’s low-resistance tires.

Faurecia, which collaborated with Stellantis, Hyundai, and Hyvia to develop fuel cell commercial and light commercial cars, will deliver a comprehensive hydrogen storage system with five 700-bar homologated tanks. The company is responsible for 75% of the hydrogen powertrain.

The project aims to contribute to California’s objective of reaching carbon neutrality across the state’s economy by 2045. Michelin North America Chairman and President Alexis Garcin stated that the award “marks a significant step in our commitment to sustainable development and mobility.”

When carriers decide whether to electrify their fleets with BEVs or FCEVs, the fuel source that makes the most sense may depend on the company’s needs. Longer hauls, such as the 400-mile California run, are a priority for fuel-cell electric truck manufacturers, while short-haul runs typically make more sense for BEVs.

Hydrogen has emerged as an electrification option for transportation businesses that have largely abandoned hybrid vehicles. While many manufacturers of light vehicles employ hybrids as a bridge to complete electrification, truck fleets do not have that option, mostly due to weight concerns, according to Thomas Foj, head of vertical markets EMEA at Avnet Silica. Other impediments are the low cost of diesel and the simplicity of electric vehicles.

“Today, the main challenge is that there is no such thing as a hybrid solution in this industry,” Foj explained.