CEC announces key partners for hydrogen mobility project

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has selected Symbio, Michelin and Faurecia (now part of Forvia) as key industry partners in development and demonstration of a hydrogen-fuelled Class 8 truck. Research and training specialist GTI will also be involved in the project.

The project will play a major role in the state-supported Symbio H2 Central Valley Express hydrogen mobility project.

Funded in part with $2 million from the CEC, the project will look to develop and demonstrate a zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with the performance of a 15-litre diesel truck. The vehicle will be for use on regional truck routes.

Symbio will provide the hydrogen fuel cell stack and manage integration of the unit into the vehicle. Michelin will provide low-rolling resistance tyres which combine safety, longevity, environmental protection and heavy load capability. Faurecia will deliver the onboard hydrogen storage system, which will carry the fuel at 700 bar (indicating it will be using liquid hydrogen, rather than compressed gas).

“Ultimately through this project and the contributions of the whole team, we are determined to address current commercialization barriers and accelerate the adoption of hydrogen-based heavy-duty mobility solutions in the goods movement market,” said Rob Del Core, GM, Symbio North America.

Should the project go to schedule, the truck prototype will start a 12-month testing phase in the second half of 2023. Test routes will include the 400-mile journey between the Inland Empire and northern San Joaquin Valley.

The truck will utilise existing and future hydrogen infrastructure, which is primarily provided by Air Liquide, Shell and Trillium, a specialist in H2 fuel dispensing infrastructure.