Hydrogen fuel cell technology developer Hyzon and New Way Trucks, a privately held refuse truck body manufacturer, are showcased a hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric refuse truck at Waste Expo, May 7-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The companies say the vehicle is the first-ever hydrogen-powered refuse truck in North America.

This debut to the U.S. market follows February's announcement of the Joint Development Agreement (JDA) between New Way and Hyzon. The agreement combines both companies' expertise to develop zero-emission refuse collection solutions.

"Building on Hyzon's fuel cell electric refuse vehicle experience in Australia, Hyzon and New Way's strategic partnership assembled a historic vehicle to eliminate emissions within a hard-to-abate industry," said Hyzon CEO Parker Meeks. "This is evidence of our shared mission to provide North American refuse collection fleets with an alternative power solution that both meets zero emissions requirements and performs the hard work a refuse truck needs to deliver day in and day out."

1,200 Cart Lifts and 125 Miles

Refuse is a demanding application for alt-fuel trucks. Hyzon said its hydrogen fuel cells are tough enough to provide consistent power over 125 miles, including up to 1,200 cart lifts and trips to the transfer station.

The truck features New Way's Sidewinder XTR automated side loader. This arm features up to a 12-foot reach and large 6-cubic-yard hopper for sustainable refuse collection.

"As a growing market leader with a long history in building high-performance refuse collection equipment, New Way is in a unique position to be able to bring this sustainable, alternative power solution to waste haulers looking to meet decarbonization objectives and other clean energy requirements," said Dan Ross, chief sales officer, New Way.

Both New Way and Hyzon said they look forward to further technology and performance development with the Class 8 FCEV. This will take place as more information is gathered during customer demonstrations occurring throughout the rest of 2024.

San Francisco Trials

Following Waste Expo, the truck will begin test runs on routes in California. These will start with San Francisco waste hauler Recology.

Recology is an employee-owned solid waste and recycling collection and processing company with a commitment to sustainable operations at its core.

Recology has long shown its commitment to sustainable transportation, according to Hyzon. The company recently achieved its goal to power its fleet with more than 90 percent renewable or alternative fuels. Hyzon said the company now sees the demo of this first-of-its-kind hydrogen-powered truck as an opportunity to be on the forefront of helping decarbonize the industry.

"As a leader in fleet sustainability, we're proud to partner with New Way and Hyzon to bring the first hydrogen fuel cell electric collection vehicle to test in our communities in California," said Recology CEO Sal Coniglio. "Recology has been preparing to transition our fleet to zero emission vehicles for nearly six years, and we've yet to see a hydrogen fuel cell powered refuse truck on the market during that time. This development is a major milestone, and we're thrilled to be the first to demo this technology to help move our business and the industry forward."