Hydrogen cars and their future in New Zealand
Thursday, 3 September 2020
With news that hydrogen fuel cell powered trucks are not far away from New Zealand roads, we look at the state-of-play for future fuel cell cars.
New car distributors with access to hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) models are keeping a close eye on fresh developments in New Zealand’s heavy freight sector.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles will go to work on New Zealand roads next year, firstly in the heavy transport sector. Car companies are watching the progress of initiatives such as the Hiringa Energy-Hyzon Motors agreement announced this week.
Initial validation testing will put 20 Hyzon trucks on the road in 2021 which will be fuelled by Hiringa’s nationwide hydrogen refuelling network located on key partner sites such as Waitomo Group’s existing Fuel Stops.
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The network will commence refuelling operations in 2021, expanding to eight stations across the North and South Islands by 2022. It’s estimated the Phase 1 network can service 100 per cent of North Island and 82 per cent of South Island heavy freight routes.
Phase 2 will expand the network to at least 24 stations by 2025, providing coverage for 95 per cent of New Zealand all heavy vehicle routes.
FCEV passenger cars would theoretically be able to refuel at the heavy transport hydrogen filling sites. But due to their larger size and much greater available space, the hydrogen in trucks is typically stored at half the pressure (35 megapascals) than is the case for cars (70 megapascals).
Cars designed for H70 refuelling would achieve roughly half their maximum range if fuelled from the lower pressure H35 truck system.
Hyundai New Zealand registered the first FCEV cars in New Zealand last year and now has three crossover-style Nexo models in its fleet.
The Korean brand is a pioneer in fuel cell technology and Hyundai NZ has been showcasing the vehicle and technology with demonstrations to a range of local businesses.
Hyundai’s own hydrogen filling station in Mt Wellington is currently the only one operating in New Zealand. The cars have a range of 660km and otherwise drive and perform like a modern electric vehicle.
“The Nexo has been a perfect way to demonstrate the technology to the likes transport companies,’’ said Andy Sinclair, general manager of Hyundai Motors New Zealand.
“The interest and response has been fantastic. We haven’t had a decent crack at government yet because, just as we were getting started with discussions Covid happened, and now it’s too close to election time.’’
Mr Sinclair says Hyundai New Zealand is committed and enthusiastic about FCEV technology.
“There’s no doubt it’s coming but there’s still a lot to do to make it a consumer reality,’’ he said.
The Toyota Mirai is another potential candidate for New Zealand roads and Toyota would also be positioned to play a lead role in the introduction of FCEV models.
“Toyota New Zealand is talking to multiple groups regarding hydrogen infrastructure, and are looking forward to being in a position to make this technology more accessible in New Zealand once hydrogen supply and refuelling logistics have been developed further,’’ said Neeraj Lala, Toyota New Zealand Chief Executive Officer.
“We have three Mirai in New Zealand for evaluation and training purposes, and have Toyota Japan's support to introduce this model once the country's infrastructure is ready.’’
Toyota launched the first-generation Mirai in 2014, selling it in limited volumes in selected markets. The global debut and start of series production for the gen-two Mirai is scheduled later this year with the new model expected to offer a range in excess of 600km.
Honda has also developed the Clarity FCV which is currently available as a lease vehicle in California.