Hydrogen truck maker Hyzon Motors has signed an initial agreement to sell 500 hydrogen-powered electric trucks to logistics firm Shanghai Hydrogen Hongyun Automotive Company.

Under the non-binding memorandum of understanding, the initial order of 100 vehicles will be placed before the end of 2021 while the other 400 vehicles will be ordered in 2022.

"Hydrogen fuel-cell technology has been adopted more quickly in China than in the rest of the world," says Hyzon CEO Craig Knight. "This allows Hyzon to begin the critical work of decarbonising the environment while building experience, capacity, and expertise which will be applied globally."

Hongyun Automobile operates vehicle fleets for a number of firms, including some steelmakers. After Hyzon delivers the vehicles, Hongyun will be responsible for the subsequent commercial arrangements with its end-customers.

500 – Total number of vehicles in provisional agreement

Hydrogen fuel cells are considered to be a better solution than battery electric vehicles for heavy-duty purposes because of refuelling times and durability.

Heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar is also looking at using hydrogen fuel cells in a number of the vehicles it sells.

China’s hydrogen strategy aims to increase the number of hydrogen fuel-cell refuelling stations by 2030.

The federal and state government are looking to assign five demonstration regions where they can accelerate hydrogen deployment and development.

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Author: Tom Young