Hyzon Motors and Performance Food Group team up in a significant agreement for up to 50 fuel-cell electric vehicles, marking a pivotal moment in the transition to zero-emission heavy-duty transport.
What’s Happening
Hyzon Motors Inc., the global leader in zero-emission heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and Performance Food Group, Inc. (PFG), a major player in North American food and food service distribution, have announced an agreement for an initial batch of five FCEVs.
Why It Matters
This partnership signifies an essential step in PFG’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint. “As we increase our exploration into alternative fuels and low-carbon technologies, partnering with companies like Hyzon provides us access to advanced products and services that will help us improve our transportation infrastructure,” stated Jeff Williamson, SVP, Operations at PFG.
Key Points
The first five vehicles will feature Hyzon Class 8 110kW fuel cell systems. Additionally, an extra 15 FCEVs will be furnished with Hyzon’s next-gen single 200kW fuel cell system, contingent on a successful vehicle trial. There is also an agreement for potentially 30 more FCEVs.
Hyzon’s proprietary fuel-cell system, designed explicitly for heavy-duty freight transport, powers the FCEVs. Fueled by energy-dense hydrogen, FCEVs allow customers to transition their fleets to zero emissions while keeping familiar operating characteristics.
PFG’s decision comes on the heels of a successful third quarter 2022 vehicle trial with Hyzon, which involved deploying a Hyzon 110kW FCEV in their Southern California operations.
The first five trucks are set for delivery between 2023 and 2024, beginning with the first vehicle expected in Q4 2023. These vehicles will serve PFG’s regional, commercial delivery operations in Southern California.
Hyzon is also developing a 200kW FCEV with the power to handle steep grades and long distances at highway speeds. Rather than linking two 110kW fuel cell systems for 200kW, Hyzon will deliver a single 200kW fuel cell module, reducing cost, weight, and complexity.
The delivery of all vehicles is dependent on California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Incentive Program (HVIP), offering up to $240,000 in price subsidies.
Bottom Line
“This agreement for up to 50 hydrogen-powered trucks demonstrates how Hyzon intends to build customer familiarity with a new technology as the hydrogen infrastructure accelerates,” remarked Parker Meeks, CEO of Hyzon. The partnership promises real operational experience in fuel-cell electric trucks, simultaneously setting the stage for Hyzon’s next-generation 200kW fuel-cell system. This landmark agreement heralds a new era in the decarbonization of heavy-duty transportation.
