Hyzon Motors Inc., a global supplier of zero-emission heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicles, and Performance Food Group Inc. (PFG), a large food and foodservice distribution company in North America, announced they have entered into an agreement for five fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV).
The first five vehicles will be upfitted with Hyzon Class 8 110 kW fuel cell systems, and an additional 15 FCEVs will be upfitted with Hyzon's next-generation single 200 kW fuel cell system, which is conditional on a successful 200 kW vehicle trial. Following the initial deliveries, PFG and Hyzon also have agreed to work together regarding a mutually agreeable option for 30 additional FCEVs.
"PFG remains committed to implementing new technologies that help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint," Jeff Williamson, senior vice president, operations, PFG, said in the announcement. "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."
The FCEVs will be powered by Hyzon's proprietary fuel-cell system, developed and designed specifically for heavy-duty freight transport. The technology allows customers to transition their fleets to zero-emissions, while maintaining similar operating characteristics. Fueled by energy-dense hydrogen, FCEVs have the power, range, payload, and refueling time more typical of a diesel vehicle.
PFG's agreement follows a successful third-quarter 2022 vehicle trial, during which PFG deployed a Hyzon 110 kW FCEV in its commercial operations in Southern California. PFG currently runs a fleet of more than 7,000 heavy-duty trucks across North America.
The first five trucks, powered by Hyzon's 110 kW fuel cell system, are expected to be delivered in 2023 and 2024, with the first truck scheduled to arrive in Q4 2023. These trucks are expected to be deployed in PFG's regional, commercial delivery operations in Southern California. Launching with the 110 kW vehicles allows PFG to begin the crucial work of decarbonization starting this year, while building driver familiarity with new vehicle technology and delivering operational data to Hyzon.
Currently in development, Hyzon's 200 kW FCEV brings the power to tackle steep grades and highway speeds over long distances. Instead of the common approach of linking two 110 kW fuel cell systems to generate 200 kW, Hyzon will provide a single 200 kW fuel cell module, reducing cost, weight, and complexity.
All vehicles will be delivered through, and contingent upon, California's Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Incentive Program (HVIP), which provides up to $240,000 in price subsidies.
"Hyzon's proprietary fuel cell technology is specifically suited for applications such as food and beverage, characterized by heavier loads and long usage cycles," Parker Meeks, Hyzon's chief executive officer, said in the announcement. "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. Working with forward-thinking customers such as PFG, who share Hyzon's mission of decarbonizing operations, allows us to accumulate real operational experience in fuel cell electric trucks, while we simultaneously develop and work to deploy our next-generation 200 kW fuel cell system."
