PFG to deploy fuel cell electric trucks

Performance Food Group (PFG) plans to add five fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) to its food and foodservice distribution fleet.

The five vehicles will be upfitted with Hyzon Motors Class 8 110kW fuel cell systems, the company said. Conditional upon a successful 200kW vehicle trial, PFG will add an additional 15 FCEVs with Hyzon’s next-generation 200kW fuel cell system. Following initial deliveries, the companies agreed to work together regarding a “mutually agreeable option” for a further 30 vehicles.

“PFG remains committed to implementing new technologies that help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint,” Jeff Williamson, PFG senior vice president of operations, said in a news release. “As we increase our exploration into alternative fuels and low-carbon technologies, partnering with companies like Hyzon provides us access to advanced products and services that will help us improve our transportation infrastructure.”

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, Hyzon said.

PFG’s agreement follows a successful third-quarter 2022 vehicle trial, 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. Launching with the 110kW vehicles allows PFG to begin the crucial work of decarbonization this year, while building driver familiarity with new vehicle technology and delivering operational data to Hyzon.

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

“Hyzon’s proprietary fuel cell technology is specifically suited for applications such as food and beverage, characterized by heavier loads and long usage cycles,” said Parker Meeks, Hyzon CEO. “This agreement for up to 50 hydrogen-powered trucks demonstrates how Hyzon intends to build customer familiarity with a new technology as the hydrogen infrastructure accelerates.

“Working with forward-thinking customers such as PFG who share Hyzon’s mission of decarbonizing operations, allows us to accumulate real operational experience in fuel cell electric trucks, while we simultaneously develop and work to deploy our next-generation 200 kW fuel cell system.”