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Numerous OEMs , such as Toyota , BMW , Daimler , Paccar , Volvo Truck , and Hyundai , are developing fuel cell Class 8 trucks as interest in the product grows , joining startups Nikola and Hyzon in the space . French delivery van manufacturer Hyvia , a joint venture between Renault Group and Plug Power , is beginning shipments to customers in Europe this year . FedEx began a trial with a Hyvia delivery van in Amsterdam in February .
IMC , the logistics company with headquarters in Memphis , TN , recently moved away from electric semis in favor of hydrogen trucks for their zero-emission tractors . IMC is adding 50 Nikola Tre FCEVs to its fleet after using BEVs for two years at its drayage business in Southern California . According to IMC CEO Joel Henry , “ The main challenge with battery electric vehicles is that you can only get four to six hours of productivity out of the truck in a 12 – 14-hour period if they are under load . The problem is that this isn ’ t sustainable for trucking companies , which can operate diesel tractors for about 20 to 24 hours a day .”
It is important to note that IMC ’ s drayage business generally involves handling heavy loads and navigating challenging routes . While the majority of its 750-truck fleet still operates on diesel , the zero-emission units will be powered by hydrogen .
I wanted to know what drivers thought about fuel cell trucks , so I reached out to William Hall , a founder and managing member of Coyote Container , a drayage and transportation company based in Berkeley , CA . According to Hall , “ As an owner-operator , the fuel cell option was my preference for the following reasons : 1 ) Lack of infrastructure to charge a BEV . 2 ) Range . I needed a solid 500-mile range for my intended service lanes . 3 ) Quick refueling time . Refueling can be combined with the DOT-required 30-minute rest break . My current refuel times have ranged from 20 – 35 minutes .”
Regarding the ride and feel of the Nikola truck , he said : “ It is both quiet , smooth , and road-induced impacts are much reduced .”
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 15 | April 2024 27