Last year Pace Logistics Lab reported on the rapidly developing hydrogen fuel cell industry as it relates to freight transportation. In our post Hydrogen Power for Commercial Vehicles we learned that the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles include:
- Zero emissions
- Quietness
- Long range capabilities
- Relatively quick refueling
- Flexible applications
We also learned that commercial adoption of H2 FCVs is slow due to current relative costs versus other fuels. On a per-mile basis compared to gasoline, diesel, and some electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are currently more expensive to operate.
In Is Green Hydrogen a Dream Fuel? We covered the concern that one of the available methods to produce clean hydrogen (steam methane reforming) requires natural gas as the primary energy source. To develop sustainability-wise into a zero-emission fuel source, methods other than SMR need to be perfected. The electrolysis method similarly requires a large amount of electricity in the process. Additionally, the lack of a nationwide network of strategically spaced hydrogen filling stations was noted.
Hydrogen, one of the two elements in water, and a major component of organic compounds, presents industry with an interesting challenge, but opportunity. Hydrogen fuel cells are completely carbon free. Their only byproducts are electricity, water, and a little heat. No carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter to pollute the atmosphere.
Companies investing in the future of hydrogen fuel cells include:
- Hyundai – their XCIENT fuel cell truck demonstrates potential in long-haul freight
- Nikola – hydrogen fuel cell trucks, and HYLA refueling infrastructure
- Hyzon Motors– decarbonizer targeting heavy-duty industries
- Daimler Truck– hydrogen powered trucks, partnership with Volvo Trucks
- Symbio – hydrogen fuel cells for heavy-duty trucks
- Toyota Motor North America, in collaboration with FuelCell Energy, Inc
The past year has seen the advent of Toyota Motor North America and FuelCell Energy, Inc’s Tri-gen Production System partnership at Toyota’s Port of Long Beach operations. Tri-gen technology is classic hydrogen fuel cell processes. It produces three products: renewable electricity, renewable hydrogen, and usable water. Toyota’s Long Beach site is the world’s first port vehicle processing facility powered by 100 percent renewable electricity that is generated onsite. As a result, light-duty and Class 8 heavy-duty fuel cell electric trucks are being fueled using the Tri-gen generated renewable hydrogen. Toyota’s logistics and drayage operations at the port are supplied with electrical power at the adjacent heavy-duty hydrogen refueling station.
The California Air Resources Board considers the Tri-gen process to be carbon -negative and eligible for the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Renewable biogas is the fuel source. It generates electrical power and heat for wastewater treatment process, and green hydrogen for transportation.
The local community benefits from the partnership, with cleaner air quality and electrical power. Excess electricity is supplied to the electric grid through Southern California Edison.
In another example of hydrogen fuel cells reduced environmental impact, the water byproduct of the hydrogen generation produces up to 1,400 gallons of usable water per day. This water is repurposed for car wash operations for Toyota vehicles coming into port prior to being delivered to customers, reducing strain on local water supplies by up to half a million gallons per year.
The past few years have seen significant progress in hydrogen fuel cells as realistic options in the trucking industry. That the technology will soon be a diesel alternative is not necessarily a stretch. The continued progress may provide a platform for hydrogen fuel cell trucks to be competitive with battery-electric trucks in the long-haul and heavy-duty sector. Advocates say the advantages of increased range, faster refueling versus battery-electric trucks, and growth in national infrastructure are potentially setting up a possible transition.
