HTEC plans to deploy 100 hydrogen powered FCETs on BC roads through H2 Gateway program
HTEC is proud to announce its plans to deploy 100 hydrogen-powered Fuel Cell Electric Trucks (FCETs) on British Columbia (BC) roads through HTEC’s H2 Gateway program.
“Hydrogen technology is our best option when it comes to building a clean economy in B.C.’s commercial transportation sector, which accounts for 25% of total provincial emissions. HTEC’s project deploys 100 hydrogen trucks, helping to reduce the sector’s reliance on fossil fuels. Innovative, forward-thinking projects like this, are driving our clean economy and creating good jobs far into the future,” said the Honourable Josie Osborne, whose Ministry has supported this project with an investment of $10.3 million.
The H2 Gateway program aims to drive the adoption of hydrogen as a transportation fuel in targeted regional hubs across BC. As part of this initiative, HTEC plans to deploy an initial fleet of 100 heavy-duty, zero-emission FCETs, as well as build and operate an interprovincial network of up to 20 new hydrogen refuelling stations. To ensure a consistent hydrogen supply, the refuelling stations will be backed by three new clean hydrogen production facilities located in Burnaby, Nanaimo, and Prince George. Additionally, a facility in North Vancouver will liquefy 15 tonnes per day of vented by-product hydrogen. HTEC already owns and operates Canada’s first hydrogen refuelling network with five hydrogen stations in BC.
“We are grateful for the Province’s support to scale up zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered commercial transportation,” said Jeff Grant. “Building on HTEC’s BC Hydrogen Pilot Trucks Project and the BC Hydrogen Ports Project, the H2
Gateway program will establish the first large-scale, heavy-duty hydrogen-powered fleet of trucks to operate in BC.”
The trucks will be managed and leased through HTEC’s new Vehicle Leasing Corporation (VLC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of HTEC. HTEC VLC’s mission is to manage vehicle deployment and enable coordinated hydrogen supply and demand in targeted regions, focusing on Class 7 and 8 hydrogen-fuelled trucks, including both hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen internal combustion engine models.
HTEC VLC offers a comprehensive service package for fleet operators wishing to move into zero-emission hydrogen transportation options. This includes procuring best-in-class hydrogen-powered vehicles from leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), ensuring compatibility with hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and providing preventative and corrective maintenance services. The company also works closely with regulators to ensure the trucks are compliant with federal and provincial requirements and advocates for supportive legislation and regulations. To further enhance the service, HTEC VLC uses proprietary telematics to monitor vehicle performance, ensuring high vehicle availability and reliability.
The on-road heavy-duty transportation sector is a significant contributor to province-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 9% of BC’s total emissions in 2021. When using low carbon intensity, BC-produced hydrogen, FCETs can emit approximately 92% fewer emissions per year than standard diesel trucks. Hydrogen-powered trucks offer numerous other benefits, including zero emissions, fast refueling, high efficiency, and long range. They also perform well in extreme weather conditions and generate low noise levels, making them an ideal solution for sustainable transportation.
