As part of its overall sustainability strategy, Toll Group has introduced its first hydrogen-powered long haul truck in China.
Deployed for deliveries between warehouses in Shanghai, the prime mover, which was manufactured by Foton Motors, will be able to travel 300 kilometres per trip, saving up to 149 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
“Toll Group is committed to driving positive change in the logistics sector by adopting cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices,” said Jonathon Kottegoda-Breden, Toll Asia Logistics President, .
“The hydrogen-powered long-distance trucks build upon our battery-electric last mile fleet to offer a holistic sustainable transportation solution for our customers in China who are looking to reduce their carbon emissions.”
The global logistics company aims to transition its full fleet of prime movers to hydrogen vehicles in China over the next two years as hydrogen refuelling infrastructure develops across the country.
The move is part of its commitment to sustainable transportation solutions, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Hydrogen, the company said, has the potential to help decarbonise the long-distance, heavy transport fleet across key countries in its network.
This launch follows Toll Group’s announcement in Australia last year that it would invest in two hydrogen-powered electric prime movers as part of a partnership with Viva Energy.
At the time, Toll Group envisioned that the project would act as a catalyst for a future network of hydrogen refuelling stations from Geelong to Sydney and onto Brisbane.
The project received a $22.8 million grant from the federally funded Advancing Renewables Program.
In addition, the Victorian Government contributed $1 million to the infrastructure build of the project via its Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund.
Meanwhile, in China, Toll is on track to transition the final 50 per cent of its last mile fleet to battery-electric vehicles before 2030. The investment in a zero-emissions fleet aligns with the local government’s environmental and sustainability goals, the company said.
