Hyzon Motors, Superior Pak partner for hydrogen-powered refuse collection vehicles
The vehicle developed by the partners is expected to be the first clean RCV available in Australia to perform full operational curb-side collection duties.
Hyzon Motors Australia, a subsidiary of Hyzon Motors Inc., has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Superior Pak (a leading Australian manufacturer of waste handling equipment) to develop and supply around 20 hydrogen-powered refuse collection vehicles (RCV).
The RCV will be developed using Superior Pak’s 25 years of experience in designing and engineering mobile waste collection and compaction equipment and Hyzon’s leading fuel cell technology.
The partners aim for a zero-emissions, high-performance side-lift garbage truck capable of undertaking the 1500-2000 compactor lifts required during an 8-10 hour suburban working cycle.
Hyzon Motors will initially supply five trucks with the expectation of orders for 15 more in 2022. The first five vehicles are expected to be delivered and operational in Q2 2022. Three of the first 5 RCV will be available under at least one month of demonstration loan arrangements in the Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne areas associated with available hydrogen refuelling facilities. Orders are currently being accepted for the balance of 15 vehicles with expected demand from local governments and waste collection operators across Australia.
Refuse collection vehicles are ideal for hydrogen fuel cell technology due to the vehicle back-to-base model allows for a central refuelling infrastructure. Hydraulic lifts operations also require substantial power, which Hyzon’s high-density fuel cells would supply.
Superior Pak has already delivered over 3,000 compaction units for more than 50 municipalities in Australia and New Zealand, which would help in promoting hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Craig Knight, Hyzon CEO, said, “Over 530 Australian municipalities manage waste collection for their residents, many of which have committed to net-zero emissions across their operations. Despite these commitments, few viable zero-emissions options exist.”
Rob Wrigley, MD of Superior Pak, said, “Clean waste management is no longer an oxymoron. The benefits to the environment, the communities and drivers is enormous, so we are determined to develop a reliable, accessible option within a year.”
