At its event in March, TR Group also announced it would add four Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell 6×2 trucks and five dual-fuel truck units utilising HWR’s CH2NGE hydrogen dual-fuel technology to its fleet. The Xcient Fuel Cell has proved itself in New Zealand in operation with Shea Transport for NZ Post (New Zealand Trucking, October 2024), that unit so far covering 180,000km and has abated 201 tonnes of CO2.

The four TR Group Xcients will be largely the same as the NZ Post truck, with a 350kW/2500Nm electric motor driving through an Allison six-speed auto, powered by two Hyundai 90kW fuel cells and a 72kW high-voltage battery.

Curtainside and refrigeration options will be available in 6×2 truck only, or truck and two-, three- or four-axle trailer combinations – offering 42-tonne GCM.

Range is quoted at 400km from 32kg of hydrogen capacity.

Four Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell rigid trucks will be offered alongside the GBV tractor units.

“Neil [Dennett, owner of Shea Transport] is a bloody good advocate for the Hyundai. It’s gone so well for him that we’ve got absolute faith our four will all perform very well for our customers,” says Brendan King.

TR Group is aware that a full FCEV won’t suit every operation right now, while some operators might want to dip their toes into the hydrogen pool and learn about it on a smaller scale. In this case, the five dual-fuel trucks are the perfect option. TR Group will supply the trucks for CH2NGE to install the dual fuel kit – two are available already.

“We’ve always sort of said, don’t let perfect get in the way of better,” says Brendan. “You can reduce diesel consumption and emissions by 20–30% on an existing truck at a lower price point, and it takes care of any kind of range anxiety.”

The system (New Zealand Trucking, May 2023) injects hydrogen into the diesel engine intake at a variable rate without impacting performance. It can be turned on and off depending on operational requirements. The truck retains its GCM, and the system can suit 8×4 units at 58 tonnes.

HWR’s CH2NGE hydrogen dual- fuel diesel displacement technology has proved its advantages and will be offered to TR Group customers wanting to learn more about the use of hydrogen without going full hog.