NZ Post presented a Hyundai XCIENT fuel cell vehicle at an event held at the company’s Auckland Operations Centre which was attended by Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods. Investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology aligns perfectly with NZ Post’s goal of being a fully carbon neutral business from 2030 and achieving science-based target of reducing carbon emissions between now and then.
“Bringing a hydrogen truck into the fleet is an exciting milestone,” said NZ Post CEO David Walsh. “We are very proud to be leading the way by putting the country’s first hydrogen truck into commercial operation. Sustainability is a big deal to all of us at NZ Post and we see hydrogen technology as one way to contribute to reducing emissions within New Zealand’s road freight sector.”
Based on typical heavy vehicle mileage one fuel cell truck in operation will avoid the equivalent CO2 of around 100 fossil fuel light vehicles, so a big difference is made with each heavy fuel cell vehicle.
NZ Post has been working jointly with Hyundai Motors New Zealand to secure the truck. “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 out 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 their heavy freight emissions,” said Hyundai New Zealand CEO Andy Sinclair.
This is the first of five XCIENT hydrogen trucks the motor company brought into New Zealand last year. The truck has undergone a number of modifications to become road-ready and will be fully commercially operational when the validation process is complete.
Source: NZ Post
