Hyzon Motors Inc., a hydrogen fuel cell technology developer and global supplier of zero-emission heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and privately held New Way Trucks have established a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to develop a fuel cell-powered refuse vehicle for the North American market.
“Zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell technology is the key to reducing emissions from many hard-to-abate industries, including refuse collection,” says Parker Meeks, Hyzon CEO. “Hyzon is primed to begin this partnership with New Way as we pursue a shared goal of decarbonizing the refuse industry.
“The operational capabilities of our Australian fuel cell refuse collection truck trial helped demonstrate that hydrogen fuel cell technology is a viable replacement for traditional diesel engines when it comes to heavy industry and overcomes some of the inherent challenges identified with other zero-emission technologies such as range anxiety, severe operating temperatures and payload limitations,” says Meeks.
Hyzon and New Way plan to start the advanced phases of truck development, with the initial base FCEV prototype ready for refuse collection equipment integration. Hyzon will be responsible for the supply and integration of its advanced fuel cell technology and integrated powertrain, while New Way will be responsible for the supply and integration of the prototype’s Sidewinder XTR automated side-load refuse body, thereby combining both companies’ expertise to develop a sustainable refuse collection solution.
The development process is expected to leverage Hyzon’s real-world experience developing, assembling and deploying a hydrogen fuel cell refuse truck in operation since October 2023 in Australia with REMONDIS Australia, the Australian operation of one of the world’s largest recycling, service and water companies.
“New Way has a successful history of deploying alternative powertrain refuse equipment across North America,” says Don Ross, New Way’s chief sales officer. “Partnering with Hyzon to bring the continent’s first Class 8 FCEV refuse collection vehicle to life is a significant step in helping our customers meet their sustainability and decarbonization objectives.”
Hyzon estimates that about 120,000 refuse trucks are currently operational across North America, consuming over 953 million gallons of diesel fuel annually. The integration of FCEVs into refuse collection fleets in North America provides an opportunity to help decarbonize the industry and reduce noise pollution from diesel trucks. Moreover, Hyzon expects fuel cell-powered refuse trucks to deliver performance levels on par with both diesel and natural gas trucks.
Initial customer trials for the parties’ first North American prototype truck are planned to begin in the first half of 2024 with a mix of public and private refuse fleets. Additionally, Hyzon is targeting initial commercial vehicle deliveries in 2025 on the back of potential successful trials.
Upon trial deployment, the trucks are expected to achieve up to a 125-mile driving range, 1,200 refuse cart lifts per route, an unladen weight significantly lighter than an equivalent battery electric truck and a refueling time of 15 minutes based on performance observed in the REMONDIS trial.
