United States-based Hyzon Motors will be developing Australia’s first purpose-built facility that will manufacture hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, a move that is set to create over 100 jobs by 2025 and bolster the country’s automotive industry as demand for clean energy grows.
Located in Melbourne’s east, Hyzon Motors’ will be housing its 10,000 square metre facility in Noble Park at an estimated cost of $50 million.
The expansion was made in conjuction with the RACV.
Under the partnership, Hyzon Motors will be producing three hydrogen-powered haul trucks to RACV-owned subsidiary Nationwide Group. This will be the first order of hydrogen-powered vehicles for a towing company in Australia.
Hyzon Motors has also scheduled 2022 deliveries including buses to mining magnate Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest’s Fortescue Metals in Western Australia and prime movers to Wesfarmers-owned Coregas in NSW.
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John Edgley, Managing Director for Hyzon Motors in Australia and New Zealand, said the announcement was exciting news not just for the local economy, but for Australia’s energy transition aspirations and the manufacturing jobs of the future.
“We are focused on generating new jobs, new manufacturing and technology facilities, and a fundamentally new industry in Australia and New Zealand, that will underpin a sustainable future for the region,” Edgley said.
“With governments across Australia and New Zealand shifting their focus towards hydrogen as a cost-competitive and zero-emission fuel source, Hyzon stands ready to support and partner on key projects and initiatives,” he said.
Unlike conventional internal combustion vehicles, hydrogen powered ones do not produce tailpipe emissions as they only emit water vapour and warm air.
While hydrogen-powered vehicles are fighting to compete with electric vehicles, they offer greater range and are much faster to refuel.
This has led operators to consider hydrogen powered vehicles as an equally viable option to EVs as operators move to decarbonise their fleets.
“We see building a bigger portfolio of Cleaner Energy assets and businesses as a strong part of RACV’s future, both within Victoria and across Australia.
“Our partnership with Hyzon Motors is the first of its kind in Victoria and will generate new local jobs and contribute significantly to a cleaner energy future over many years to come,” said Neil Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of RACV.
“Our partnership with Hyzon Motors is the first of its kind in Victoria and will generate new local jobs and contribute significantly to a cleaner energy future over many years to come,” Taylor said.