TR Group, in partnership with Global Bus Ventures (GBV), and Toyota New Zealand have revealed a 50-tonne hydrogen fuel cell electric truck, which they describe as a "practical zero-emissions solution for heavy freight transport."
The hydrogen truck is a retrofitted DAF CF 530 that has been converted into a zero-emission fuel cell electric vehicle by GBV. This vehicle is powered by two Toyota 85kW fuel cells (total 170kW), a 124kWh battery system, and 52kg of onboard hydrogen storage.
The truck operates similarly to a conventional diesel truck, with comparable refuelling times and the ability to use standard trailers and loads, aligning with typical operator schedules, and Toyota says it has undergone road and track testing, achieving a range of 500km.
Toyota New Zealand supplied the fuel cells for the truck, continuing its involvement in promoting hydrogen as a sustainable energy source and supporting the domestic hydrogen industry.
Tatsuya Ishikawa, CEO, Toyota New Zealand said that the company's ongoing work with hydrogen technology in New Zealand aligns with its global commitment to carbon neutrality.
"From heavy-duty commercial vehicles and motorsports to hydrogen-powered marine vessels and off-grid generators, Toyota is demonstrating that hydrogen is more than just a fuel—it’s a key part of the clean energy future.
"We continue to invest and collaborate with others in the hydrogen sector in order to help build a robust hydrogen ecosystem that will benefit both businesses and communities across the country.
“TR Group has significant scale within the New Zealand trucking industry, and we expect our partnership with them and GBV will see a substantial increase in the number of hydrogen-powered freight vehicles on Kiwi roads."
The truck is part of a Government-supported program with Hiringa Energy, through which TR Group will offer 20 hydrogen-powered trucks via a fully maintained operating lease. The fleet includes four Hyundai Xcient FCEV rigid chassis trucks and 16 6x4 “tractor units” supplied by GBV, reflecting an investment in the tens of millions of dollars.
The initiative follows Toyota New Zealand's other activities in the hydrogen sector, including the introduction of the Toyota Mirai FCEV in 2022 and the Emirates Team New Zealand 'Chase Zero' hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat used during the America's Cup in 2021 and 2024.
Two Mirai are currently being shared by eight corporate organisations as part of the Toyota Hydrogen Project, while another is being leased to Coregas NZ. The company plans to add 18 further Mirai hydrogen fuel cell cars to a commercial fleet leasing scheme.
Chase Zero was the world’s first ever hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat and utilised two Toyota fuel cells to generate electricity, propelling the boat to speeds of up to 35 knots with water as the only emissions.