New Zealand’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric truck is now in the hands of its owner NZ Post.

The pioneering Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell will take over from one of its diesel-powered counterparts, saving an estimated 170 tonnes of C02 emissions per year.

The initial validation process will see the truck operating in different configurations - first as a truck only, then as a truck and trailer combination on several routes. Collecting New Zealand specific performance data will refine software settings and define the best operating routes for this technology.

Until the first commercial refuelling stations are built, with the first expected to be ready by early 2023, the truck will be fuelled by green hydrogen supplied by BOC. Once the commercial infrastructure is in place next year, this truck’s ideal first operational route is likely to be Auckland – Hamilton – Auckland – Whangarei.

NZ Post Chief Executive Officer David Walsh says taking ownership of a hydrogen truck is an exciting milestone. 

“We are very proud to be leading the way by putting the country’s first hydrogen truck into commercial operation,” he says.

“Sustainability is a big deal to all of us at NZ Post, and we see hydrogen technology as one way to contribute to reducing our emissions within New Zealand’s road freight sector.

Investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology aligns with NZ Post’s goal of being a fully carbon neutral business from 2030.

Hyundai New Zealand CEO Andy Sinclair says he’s delighted with NZ Post’s commitment to leading the way in investing in this zero-emission transport technology.

“Kiwis should keep an eye out for the XCIENT – it might be their parcel in the back, travelling without the environmental impact of diesel, and in a remarkably quieter manner,” he says.

“Heavy transport emissions are notoriously hard to offset, as electric battery vehicle alternatives can’t offer companies the same productivity. Larger trucks are driven all day, every day over long distances. Taking multiple hours to recharge a battery regularly is time the truck can’t be on the road. Hydrogen technology is an important solution for NZ Post and other similar businesses to introduce as part of reducing heavy freight emissions.”

The Government Emissions Reduction Plan targets a 35% cut of emissions from freight transport by 2035. It says heavy transport makes up 4% of New Zealand’s transport fleet but is responsible for 25 per cent of all transport emissions.