Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Hyzon Unveils Hydrogen Fuel Cell Refuse Truck

Hyzon and New Way Trucks have released the first-ever hydrogen-powered refuse truck in North America.

Hyzon hydrogen fuel cell refuse truck.

Hyzon said its new hydrogen fuel cell refuse truck is capable of 1,200 cart lifts a day and has a range of more than 125 miles. 

Photo: Hyzon Motors

3 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

"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.

Ad Loading...

"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.

Ad Loading...

"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."

More Fuel Smarts

NACFE Run on Less 2026 findings.
Fuel Smartsby Jack RobertsMay 1, 2026

NACFE: Fleets Need to Recalibrate TCO Strategies as Electric Trucks Gain a Long-Term Edge

NACFE’s Run on Less data has found that recent setbacks aside, electric truck powertrains are trending toward market leadership by 2025.

Read More →
Gray Volvo tractor pulling trailer on open highway
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMay 1, 2026

New High-Horsepower Natural Gas Engine Could Expand Fleet Options

Westport and Volvo are demonstrating a 500-hp truck with diesel-like efficiency — one that also offers what Westport says is a better pathway to using hydrogen fuel in trucks.

Read More →
Illustration with oil wells silhouetted against red and gold sky
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMay 1, 2026

Why Fuel Diversification Matters for Trucking Fleets

Relying on diesel alone exposes fleets to fuel price volatility. Here’s why diversification with electric, natural gas, and renewable fuels can reduce risk.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Range Energy eTrailer.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseApril 17, 2026

Range Energy Confirms eTrailer Performance in Winter Testing as Commercial Rollout Nears

Range Energy said its production-ready eTrailer system proved it can boost stability, safety, and efficiency in sub-zero winter conditions as the company moves toward scaled deployment.

Read More →
Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 16, 2026

Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →
Youtube thumbnail featuring man in Big-Lebowski-inspired sweater
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]

Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dual truck tires with black aerodynamic wheel cover and a man bending down getting ready to take one off
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 10, 2026

Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers

Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.

Read More →
Podcast thumbnail saying "How to Save on Fuel Costs" with diesel pump in the background and photo of the woman guest
Fuel SmartsApril 9, 2026

Cutting Fleet Fuel Costs in a Volatile Market [Listen]

When diesel prices are as volatile as they've been in 2026, it makes it tough for trucking fleets to plan and control costs. Breakthrough Fuel's Jenny Vander Zanden has insights on near-term savings strategies.

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail saying "How to Save on Fuel Costs" with woman's photo and a photo of a diesel price pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 9, 2026

Diesel Price Swings Aren’t Over. What Can Your Fleet Do?

Practical steps fleets can take to manage fuel costs, from purchasing strategies to driver behavior.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 7, 2026

Diesel Prices Surge Toward Record Highs as Oil Price Volatility Intensifies

Prices jumped another 24 cents in a week, with California topping $7.50 and new data showing fleet fuel costs may already be at record levels.

Read More →