ROCHESTER – Hyzon Motors Inc. congratulates its partner, Hiringa Refuelling New Zealand (“Hiringa”) for commencing the construction phase of the first four high-capacity green hydrogen refueling stations for zero-emission heavy fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). These stations are expected to form the first part of a nationwide refueling network, shifting the New Zealand heavy transport sector towards decarbonization.
Hyzon Motors, a leading global supplier of zero-emissions hydrogen-powered commercial FCEVs, plans to supply the initial 20 fuel cell electric trucks to underpin the network. Working with Hiringa under a Heads of Agreement, the first 55-ton Hyzon trucks are specified to meet New Zealand regulations and the demanding road conditions. Capable of driving over 370 miles (600km) between refueling stops, the trucks’ range capabilities are similar to existing diesel-based offerings.
Hyzon’s vehicle deployment will be facilitated by TR Group, New Zealand’s largest heavy vehicle fleet owner. TR Group will own and lease the Hyzon trucks to several leading logistics companies and their end customers. The locations of the initial four refueling network stations have been strategically selected to provide coverage for the major heavy freight routes in New Zealand’s North Island.
The Hiringa program has benefitted from the New Zealand Government’s investment of over $12 million (NZ$16m) and its support of decarbonizing heavy transport through hydrogen. These investments build on Hiringa Energy’s Strategic Alliance Agreement with Mitsui and Co. (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, and the memorandum of cooperation on hydrogen between Japan and New Zealand.
“Transitioning heavy transport to zero-emissions requires alignment across the hydrogen ecosystem, and Hiringa has been an exceptional partner in strategically selecting and connecting companies which represent the entire value chain,” said Hyzon CEO and Co-Founder Craig Knight. “Hyzon recognizes the collaborative approach necessary to reduce emissions in this hard-to-abate industry, and congratulates Hiringa on this important step towards decarbonizing New Zealand’s heavy transport sector.”
In addition to the first four stations in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Palmerston North, Hiringa has announced that it plans to bring over 24 high-capacity hydrogen refueling stations online across New Zealand in the next 4-5 years to support a growing fleet of fuel cell electric vehicles.
As a founding member of the Hyzon Zero Carbon Alliance, a consortium of leading companies working to accelerate hydrogen-powered mobility worldwide, Hiringa’s experience developing this hydrogen vehicle and refueling network will inform future deployments globally. The 11 member companies, including TotalEnergies, Bank of America, and AXA, will leverage Hiringa’s guidance, accelerating the transition to hydrogen adoption.
