Hyzon Motors has received a contract from foodservice distributor Performance Food Group to supply five fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
The five vehicles will be equipped with Hyzon’s Class 8 110-kW fuel cell systems, the global supplier of zero-emission heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicles says. The trucks are expected to be delivered in 2023 and 2024, with the first truck scheduled to arrive in the fourth quarter of this year.
The agreement also includes options for an additional 15 FCEVs to be fitted with Hyzon’s next-generation single 200-kW fuel cell system, pending the success of a 200-kW vehicle trial. Once the initial deliveries are completed, PFG and Hyzon have also agreed to explore the option of adding 30 more FCEVs.
Hyzon’s proprietary fuel cell system, designed specifically for heavy-duty freight transport, will power the FCEVs. This technology enables customers to transition their fleets to zero-emissions while maintaining similar operational characteristics. FCEVs, fueled by hydrogen, offer power, range, payload, and refueling times comparable to diesel vehicles, the company says.
Read more of EnergyTech's coverage of H2 Fuel Cell Vehicles in the C&I Energy Transition
PFG is expected to deploy the first five trucks in its regional, commercial delivery operations in Southern California. The foodservice distributor’s decision to enter into this agreement follows a successful vehicle trial using Hyzon 110-kW FCEV in the third quarter of 2022.
All the vehicles will be delivered through California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Incentive Program (HVIP), which offers price subsidies of up to $240,000.
“PFG remains committed to implementing new technologies that help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint,” said Jeff Williamson, Senior Vice President, Operations, PFG. “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.”
Hyzon says it is currently developing a 200-kW FCEV with enhanced capabilities for handling steep grades and highway speeds over long distances. Unlike the common approach of linking two 110-kW fuel cell systems, Hyzon’s 200-kW system will feature a single fuel cell module, reducing cost, weight, and complexity, it notes.
