Hyzon Motor's Class 8 FCEV semi completes trial run, but questions remain

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Updated Oct 31, 2024
Hyzon Class 8 FCEV semi driving
Together with logistics company TALKE USA, Hyzon Motors says its new 200kW Class 8 hydrogen fuel-cell semi (above) has successfully completed a trial run, potentially paving the way for larger deployment.
Hyzon Motors

Only a month after Hyzon Motors (HYZN) announced that production has commenced on its Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) semi truck, the US-based manufacturer and technology developer has confirmed, together with TALKE USA, the completion of a successful trial run of at TALKE's Houston's drayage operations. 

TALKE provides logistics solutions for the chemical industry. 

"The success of this trial with TALKE aligns with the strong results we’ve seen across the seven other trials of our Class 8 200 kW Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle truck," said Hyzon Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Parker Meeks. "These consistent outcomes reinforce our confidence as we move toward full commercial activation, marking an exciting step forward in deploying hydrogen fuel cell solutions at scale."

Unfortunately, specific details regarding this trial run have not been released at this time. The only hint of information provided says that Hyzon built on the success of its 110kW trial two years ago, and that the upgraded 200kW truck "performed exceptionally well, effortlessly hauling containers with a smooth, dynamic, and impressively quiet operation." 

Key details such as distance traveled, energy usage, and whether any cargo was transported are what's lacking. 

Hyzon adds that the successful trial is part of its preparation for possible deployment of a larger fleet of Class 8 FCEVs by taking advantage of unspecified grant funding programs. The company is also evaluating its vehicle's overall performance against competitors but, again, details are vague. 

The company began production of its single-stack 200kW fuel system earlier this month. 

Last summer, Hyzon not only shut down its operations in the Netherlands and Australia in order to shift focus to North America, but also confirmed it was selling 22.5 million shares of common stock in order to raise much-needed capital. It then asked for and received a 180-day extension to avoid a Nasdaq delisting. 

[Related: Hyzon Motors receives 180-day extension for Nasdaq compliance]

Jay Traugott has covered the automotive and transportation sector for over a decade and now serves as Senior Editor for Clean Trucking. He holds a drifting license and has driven on some of the world's best race tracks, including the Nurburgring and Spa. He lives near Boulder, Colorado, and spends his free time snowboarding, climbing, and hiking. He can be reached at [email protected].

Hydrogen Fuel Cell & BEV Survey
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