Hiringa Energy and TR Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to offer heavy fuel cell electric trucks, powered by Hiringa’s nationwide hydrogen refuelling network and TR’s heavy fleet lease, rental, and maintenance management expertise.
The companies will offer flexible fuel-inclusive lease packages to heavy vehicle operators and companies looking to decarbonise their supply chain. The vehicles will be offered in several configurations and weight classes, including over 50t combined mass and 6×4 and 8×4 drivetrains. The first vehicles are expected to be available in 2021.
“Customers are really interested in getting zero-emission trucks on the road,” says TR Group’s managing director Andrew Carpenter. “At the same time, they are well aware of the many difficulties and risks involved in getting the vehicles and the supporting system set up and working well. Our aim with this partnership is to help make it easier for clients to get to their goal and reduce some of the risks for them along the way.”
Hiringa’s refuelling network is expected to begin operations in the first half of 2021 and will provide coverage of the major freight routes in both islands.
“TR Group’s truck and leasing expertise is critical in ensuring we can offer decarbonisation pathways for all heavy fleet operators across our refuelling network. With Hiringa’s deep expertise in hydrogen mobility solutions and TR Group’s broad reach across New Zealand’s premier heavy freight and transport companies, the partnership will be a catalyst in accelerating the decarbonisation of New Zealand’s heavy fleet,” says Hiringa Energy CEO Andrew Clennett.
The partnership builds on Hiringa’s technical expertise and relationships with international fuel cell manufacturers, integrators and OEMs. It also builds on Hiringa’s existing partnership with TIL, one of New Zealand’s leading transport and logistics companies. Hiringa and TR Group will jointly work to ensure New Zealand suitable solutions are available to meet heavy vehicle operators’ needs and introduce the technology to New Zealand.
“TIL Logistics applauds the inclusion of organisations into the Hiringa partnership that have the values and capabilities that TR Group demonstrate,” says Alan Pearson, CEO of TIL and both a partner of Hiringa and customer of TR Group. “TR‘s inclusion strengthens our collective team synergies through the addition of truck funding options and many more benefits. Fulfilment of our shared vision and strategic objectives is enhanced by this move.”
When fuel cell vehicles are powered by green hydrogen, they provide a sustainable zero emission transport solution. They can provide a viable alternative to diesel trucks and vehicles that have high uptime requirements, travel longer distances or carry heavy payloads.