Hyzon Motors and Performance Food Group (PFG) have entered into an agreement for five fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV). The first five vehicles will be upfitted with Hyzon Class 8 110kW fuel cell systems, and an additional 15 FCEVs will be upfitted with Hyzon’s next-generation single 200kW fuel cell system, which is conditional on a successful 200kW vehicle trial. Following the initial deliveries, PFG and Hyzon also have agreed to work together regarding a mutually agreeable option for 30 additional FCEVs.

The FCEVs will be powered by Hyzon’s proprietary fuel-cell system, developed and designed specifically for heavy-duty freight transport. The technology allows customers to transition their fleets to zero-emissions, while maintaining similar operating characteristics. Fueled by energy-dense hydrogen, FCEVs have the power, range, payload, and refueling time more typical of a diesel vehicle, the company says.

PFG’s agreement follows a successful third quarter 2022 vehicle trial, Hyzon says, during which PFG deployed a Hyzon 110kW FCEV in its commercial operations in Southern California. PFG currently runs a fleet of more than 7,000 heavy-duty trucks across North America.

The first five trucks, powered by Hyzon’s 110kW fuel cell system, are expected to be delivered in 2023 and 2024, with the first truck scheduled to arrive in Q4 2023. These trucks are expected to be deployed in PFG’s regional, commercial delivery operations in Southern California.

Currently in development, Hyzon’s 200kW FCEV brings the power to tackle steep grades and highway speeds over long distances, the company says. Instead of the common approach of linking two 110kW fuel cell systems to generate 200kW, Hyzon will provide a single 200kW fuel cell module, which the company says reduces cost, weight, and complexity.

All vehicles will be delivered through, and contingent upon, California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Incentive Program (HVIP), which provides up to $240,000 in price subsidies.