Hydrogenics Advanced Fuel Cell Vehicle Technology Demonstration for Drayage Truck

This final report documents the design, build, integration and testing of Hydrogenics USA, Inc.’s advanced hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system for heavy-duty vehicles under the California Energy Commission agreement number ARV-15-002. The goals of this project were to demonstrate the technical viability of an advanced hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system in a Class 8 drayage truck and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the demonstration period. 

Despite facing challenges, the project successfully demonstrated the technical and commercial viability of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technology purposely designed and developed for Class 8 drayage trucks. It demonstrated a simplified integration and development process of an advanced fuel cell propulsion system into a Class 8 drayage truck. Funding from the California Energy Commission was a critical enabler to the overall success of Hydrogenics Corporation. By selecting Hydrogenics, the California Energy Commission’s grant review process provided a valuable third-party evaluation of its business model for Cummins Inc.’s due diligence prior to its acquisition of the company in 2019.  

As one of the first fully functioning heavy-duty fuel cell trucks ever built in California, the Hydrogenics Advanced Fuel Cell Vehicle represents a meaningful step in the hydrogen fuel cell industry. For Cummins Inc., it is an important building block in becoming a leader in fuel cell powertrains for heavy-duty mobility applications.