TR Group expands commitment to cleaner heavy transport with new 50-Tonne Hydrogen prime mover
TR Group has launched its 50-tonne hydrogen prime mover at a customer event held at Hampton Downs Racetrack, in collaboration with Global Bus Ventures, K1W1, and Toyota New Zealand. This hydrogen fuel cell truck offers a practical zero-emissions solution for heavy freight transport, operating with conventional trailers and loads while maintaining refuelling times similar to diesel. The truck’s capabilities align with standard operator driving hours and schedules, ensuring seamless integration into existing transport operations.
The GBV hydrogen prime mover is based on the DAF CF 530, with a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell conversion carried out by GBV, a leading New Zealand vehicle integrator. The truck is powered by two Toyota 85kW fuel cells (170kW total), a 124kWh battery system, and 52kg of onboard hydrogen storage, providing a driving range of 450-500km. Power is delivered through a 350kW/2400Nm electric motor paired with a 6-speed gearbox, offering superior pulling power.
New 50-Tonne Hydrogen Prime Mover
A Milestone for GBV and Toyota New Zealand
GBV, a company with over 50 years of experience in manufacturing heavy vehicles, is recognised for its innovations in electric and hydrogen-powered transport. The company introduced New Zealand’s first hydrogen heavy vehicle, the Auckland Transport hydrogen bus, and designed the hydrogen-electric power systems for the America’s Cup chase boats.
Mike Parker, executive vice president of GBV, described the launch as a significant milestone, stating:“This prime mover represents several years of research and development, and its commercial deployment marks an important achievement for GBV.”
Toyota New Zealand’s CEO, Tatsuya Ishikawa, highlighted Toyota’s commitment to hydrogen technology, stating: “Toyota’s ongoing work with hydrogen in New Zealand aligns with its global goal of carbon neutrality. From heavy-duty commercial vehicles to hydrogen-powered marine vessels and off-grid generators, Toyota is demonstrating that hydrogen is more than just a fuel—it is a key part of the clean energy future.”
Expanding Hydrogen Truck Options in New Zealand
Brendan King, General Manager of TR Group, emphasised the company’s commitment to decarbonising heavy transport, stating:
“Having been on the decarbonisation journey for several years, with over 60 battery-electric trucks and New Zealand’s first commercial heavy hydrogen truck, we are excited to expand our hydrogen truck options for customers. This includes 16 hydrogen 50-tonne prime movers, 4 Hyundai Xcient FCEV rigid chassis trucks, and several CH2NGE dual-fuel truck options.”
The 20 zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell trucks are part of a Government-supported programme in partnership with Hiringa Energy, which has three operational hydrogen refuelling stations and a fourth under construction. The government’s support allows these trucks to be offered at competitive lease rates, increasing their accessibility to transport operators.
Hiringa Energy’s co-founder and CEO, Andrew Clennett, stated:
“Hydrogen is ultra-fast, reliable, and available now. The Hiringa refuelling network covers 95 percent of North Island freight routes, allowing transport operators to cut emissions without sacrificing productivity. We congratulate TR Group and GBV on this milestone and look forward to having these trucks on the network.”
Hyundai New Zealand continues its support of hydrogen FCEV trucks with the addition of four more Xcient heavy-duty trucks. The first Hyundai hydrogen truck in New Zealand, operated by NZ Post contractor Shea Transport, has already covered 180,000km, avoiding 201 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
For more information visit www.hiringaenergy.com
