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Hyzon fuel cell truck impresses with power and zero emissions

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Former driver turned safety specialist Ryan Sickles was more than happy to take a break from his desk at Total Transportation Services Inc. (TTSI) near Los Angeles and get more seat time in the Hyzon hydrogen fuel cell Class 8 truck that his company has been testing at the ports in Southern California.

While taking CCJ out for a drive recently at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Long Beach, California, Sickles explained that he’s driven the truck roughly 10 times and has enjoyed every minute of it.

“Every single time I’ve driven it, it’s amazing,” Sickles said while driving the truck toward a parking lot exit at the Long Beach Convention Center. “I like that it’s a Cascadia too. I’m a big fan of Freightliners.”

[Related: Cummins hydrogen engine offers more capability, lower cost than all-electric]

Hyzon announced last August that the drayage fuel cell truck, built on a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia chassis, would be the first zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) that TTSI would be operating with up to a 400-mile range. TTSI has tested natural gas, all-electric and fuel cell trucks. The Hyzon truck can transport up to 82,000 lbs. gross combined vehicle weight (GCVW), a standard load for TTSI. Its 600 horses are also appreciated.

Hyzon TTSI fuel cell 2022 ACT ExpoRyan Sickles, TTSI's safety specialist, drives the Hyzon fuel cell tractor that TTSI has been testing nearby at the ports. “The power in this truck is really great, especially on steep grades,” Sickles said while driving on East Shoreline Drive within sight of the Pacific Ocean and the convention center. “Plus, in the battery powertrain, you’ve got instant power and torque on the pedal. There’s no delay like a diesel motor.”