Hyzon Motors, a US-based hydrogen fuel cell technology manufacturer, together with New Way Trucks, a leading refuse truck body manufacturer, and Recology, a company known for sustainable waste management, presented North America’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric refuse truck. The vehicle was displayed to key figures, including US Department of Energy (DOE) Under Secretary for Infrastructure David Crane, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and US Senator Alex Padilla.
This showcase was part of a clean energy event hosted by the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES), marking the award of a $12.6 billion investment to establish a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub in California.
Speaking at the event, DOE Under Secretary David Crane highlighted the importance of hydrogen in heavy-duty transportation, stating, “Hydrogen is the Swiss army knife of energy sources and that’s critically important. The best, most durable use of hydrogen is for heavy-duty transportation.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his support for the collaboration, remarking, “I’m proud to be here with so many great partners. This is part of the most significant economic and industrial policy in our lifetime. It’s not just about growth, it’s about inclusion.”
US Senator Alex Padilla emphasised the potential of hydrogen technology, stating, “Today is an opportunity for the public to see the promise for hydrogen’s future. You see what’s possible not in the far future, but today. Under the leadership of ARCHES, we have the opportunity to catalyse the whole Hydrogen economy.”
The event also highlighted the role of government in fostering private sector innovation. Hyzon’s Chief Executive Officer Parker Meeks commented, “Today, we see not only North America’s first hydrogen-powered refuse truck but also the critical role government plays in making these innovations a reality. When government steps up, the private sector responds, and today is proof of that.”
ARCHES, supported by $1.2 billion in federal funding and $11.4 billion in public and private investments, is leading one of the most ambitious hydrogen infrastructure projects in the United States. The initiative includes the development of a network of clean hydrogen production sites, 60 heavy-duty fueling stations, and 165 miles of open-access pipelines. This infrastructure will support the Decarbonisation of more than 5,000 Fuel Cell electric trucks, including the refuse truck developed by Hyzon and New Way, currently being trialled by Recology.
Mike McLaughlin, CEO of McLaughlin Family Companies (parent company of New Way Trucks), explained the significance of the hydrogen-powered refuse truck, stating, “This vehicle is designed to best meet the needs of waste hauliers and kickstart the transition to clean energy by partners who are best positioned to champion advanced, alternative sustainable solutions across the waste and recycling industry.”
With approximately 140,000 refuse trucks operating across the U.S., this development signals a move towards zero-emission solutions in a challenging sector. Hyzon’s fuel cell systems are integral to the truck’s design, providing the necessary power for demanding urban operations.
Michael E. Hoffman, President and CEO of the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), highlighted the waste industry’s role in adopting alternative fuels, saying, “The waste industry was an earlier adopter of alternative fuels with more than 30 percent of the routed fleet converted on its own initiative without mandates or subsidies. NWRA, representing nearly three-quarters of the industry, can and will lead vocational fleets to advance emissions reductions while still meeting the daily demands of this essential service.”
The event underscored ARCHES’ leadership in deploying hydrogen energy solutions to reduce emissions in sectors that are traditionally difficult to decarbonise. As one of seven hydrogen hubs across the country selected for investment by the DOE, ARCHES is expected to create 220,000 direct jobs, including 130,000 in construction and 90,000 permanent positions.
