TR Group, GBV, and Toyota NZ Unveil 40 Hydrogen Vehicles for Cleaner Roads
TR Group, GBV, and Toyota New Zealand have teamed up to introduce a fleet of hydrogen-powered trucks and cars, marking a significant investment in sustainable transport. The partnership will see 20 hydrogen trucks and 20 Toyota Mirai cars hitting New Zealand roads.
The truck fleet, valued in the tens of millions, includes four Hyundai Xcient FCEV trucks and 16 6x4 tractor units. Toyota New Zealand's CEO, Tatsuya Ishikawa, has overseen the project, which aligns with the company's global commitment to carbon neutrality.
The trucks, retrofitted DAF CF 530s, are powered by two 85kW Toyota fuel cells and a 124kWh battery system. They can carry 52kg of onboard hydrogen, offering comparable refuelling times and operational flexibility to conventional diesel trucks. This makes them suitable for typical operator schedules and standard trailers and loads.
Toyota New Zealand has been at the forefront of hydrogen technology in New Zealand. In 2022, it introduced the Toyota Mirai FCEV and the Emirates Team New Zealand 'Chase Zero' hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat. Now, two Mirai cars are being shared among eight corporate organisations, with plans to add 18 more to a commercial fleet leasing scheme.
TR Group, GBV, and Toyota New Zealand's collaboration has resulted in a significant step towards cleaner, more sustainable transport in New Zealand. The hydrogen trucks and cars, with their comparable performance to conventional vehicles, offer a practical solution for reducing emissions in heavy freight and passenger transport.
