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NEW YORK, 1 September 2023: Hyzon Motors Inc, a leading hydrogen fuel cell technology developer, Performance Food Group Inc (PFG), a major player in North America’s food distribution, and Chart Industries Inc, a global leader in clean energy equipment, have joined forces to achieve a groundbreaking milestone in sustainable transportation. They’ve successfully completed the first-ever commercial run using a liquid hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (LH2 FCEV). This achievement has far-reaching implications for the future of long-distance, zero-emission transport.
Liquid Hydrogen: Paving the Way for Long-Distance Zero-Emission Transport
The journey began in Temple, Texas, where the LH2 FCEV embarked on deliveries to eight PFG customers near Dallas, covering an impressive 540 miles within a continuous 16-hour run. Notably, this feat was accomplished under sweltering temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The extensive run showcased the potential of on-board liquid hydrogen as a clean, long-distance fuel source.
Hyzon’s CEO, Parker Meeks, expressed optimism about the LH2 FCEV’s future, stating, “With increased range and no added weight compared to our gaseous hydrogen trucks, we believe this liquid hydrogen demo run has demonstrated potential viability for the future of liquid hydrogen in commercial trucking.” Meeks went on to highlight that their liquid hydrogen vehicle, equipped with a proprietary 200kW fuel cell system, could offer an impressive range of 650 to 800 miles, meeting the requirements of many diesel trucks.
The Advantages of Liquid Hydrogen
Compared to gaseous hydrogen, the current industry norm, liquid hydrogen provides significantly greater energy density without increasing vehicle weight or compromising payload capacity. However, maintaining hydrogen in its liquid state demands extremely low temperatures, around negative 400 degrees Fahrenheit. To address this challenge, Hyzon collaborated with Chart Industries to develop a cutting-edge tank system capable of storing liquid hydrogen at these ultra-low temperatures and delivering it to the fuel cell system at the required pressure.
Jill Evanko, CEO and President of Chart Industries, emphasized the significance of this achievement for the hydrogen ecosystem, particularly in the context of long-haul and heavy-duty transportation. “Our investment in our unique cryogenic liquid hydrogen onboard tank and our liquid hydrogen test facility support progress in the hydrogen industry,” she stated. The successful road demonstration, conducted in partnership with PFG, marks a crucial step toward the commercialization of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly
Liquid hydrogen’s cost-effectiveness is a major selling point. Studies have indicated that it could be up to $5 per kilogram cheaper to dispense than high-pressure gaseous hydrogen. This cost advantage is poised to deliver substantial benefits to fleet owners and operators. Hyzon’s CEO Meeks summed it up succinctly, “simply put, we see liquid hydrogen as the economical approach to long-range zero-emission trucking.”
For the LH2 FCEV’s testing and the remarkable demo run, Certarus, a leading provider of on-road low carbon energy solutions in North America, facilitated the transportation, storage, and dispensing of liquid hydrogen. Air Liquide was responsible for producing the liquid hydrogen.
Conclusion
Hyzon Motors, in collaboration with Performance Food Group and Chart Industries, has pushed the boundaries of sustainable transportation with the successful completion of a 540-mile commercial run using a liquid hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. This achievement underscores the potential of liquid hydrogen as a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for long-distance, zero-emission trucking. As the world seeks cleaner and more efficient transport options, this breakthrough marks a significant step toward a greener future. Stay tuned for more innovations in hydrogen-powered mobility.
