Hydrogen fuel cell trucks hit the roads in Georgia

Benore Logistic Systems’ journey into hydrogen-powered logistics began with a small but significant step in 2022, when it rolled out its first four fuel cell trucks. Building on that success, the company has now expanded its fleet with these additional 14 trucks. They’re operating on dedicated routes in Savannah, serving the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, a facility that’s all about clean logistics operations. These trucks offer an impressive all-electric range of nearly 250 miles, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable transportation.

The deployment of these trucks is part of a broader collaboration between Benore, Hyundai Motor Group and HTWO Logistics, a joint venture between Hyundai and Glovis America. Hyundai manufactures the trucks, HTWO oversees deployment, and Benore manages daily logistics to ensure seamless operations for the Glovis EV contract. This partnership shows just how committed Benore is to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that align with its Just-In-Time and Just-In-Sequence operations.

To support this initiative, HydroFleet has invested $33 million in a hydrogen production and refueling hub near Savannah’s busy container port. This facility will initially refuel up to 14 trucks daily and scale up to 50 trucks per day in the future. Such infrastructure investments are crucial for expanding hydrogen-powered freight solutions across the region.

Benore’s adoption of hydrogen-powered trucks aligns with a growing industry trend, joining other major players like Werner and DHL Supply Chain in embracing this clean technology. Hyundai has emerged as North America’s leading supplier of hydrogen fuel cell trucks, maintaining momentum despite setbacks faced by competitors such as Hyzon and Nikola. The increasing interest in hydrogen technology stems from its substantial potential to reduce emissions, with each Class 8 truck capable of eliminating over 400 metric tons of CO2 annually.

However, the transition to hydrogen fuel cell trucks is not without its hurdles. High initial costs pose a significant barrier, particularly for smaller companies, due to expensive fuel cell technology and specialized hydrogen storage systems.

Technological refinement is ongoing, with continued testing needed to verify range estimates, assess performance across various conditions, and address maintenance issues affecting fueling station uptime. Achieving cost parity with diesel fuel is crucial for mass adoption, with estimates suggesting hydrogen needs to reach $4-$5 per kilogram to compete with diesel at $3-$4 per gallon.

Despite these obstacles, the potential for significant emissions reduction continues to drive interest and investment in hydrogen fuel cell technology for the trucking industry. As companies like Benore lead the way, the sector watches closely to see how these early adopters navigate the challenges and pave the way for a cleaner future in heavy-duty transportation.