Pure Hydrogen has successfully registered Australia’s first hydrogen fuel cell prime mover in Queensland, with the truck to be handed over in coming weeks.
Formal registration of the Taurus hydrogen powered prime mover follows an extensive testing program to meet with domestic regulations.
The 6×4 Taurus prime mover was first unveiled in Australia in September 2022, with Pure Hydrogen to deliver refuelling along with maintenance and repair services.
It’s taken a long time to get the truck on the road, but with the vehicle now formally registered, a trial is about to commence, running for approximately six months.
Pure Hydrogen’s managing director, Scott Brown, explained: “We are disappointed with the time it has taken to get this truck on the road but at least we have a pathway to follow in gaining road approvals. The red tape for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is far too restrictive and badly needs an urgent overhaul. We look forward to providing updates at the end of this trial.”
Brown said the completion of the Taurus Prime Mover registration marks the next step in Pure Hydrogen’s development strategy for hydrogen-powered vehicles in Australia. “Pure Hydrogen continues to pioneer the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and is establishing itself as an emerging leader in the Australian hydrogen and energy space.”
He added that the six-month trial would allow Pure Hydrogen to demonstrate the hydrogen fuel cell prime mover’s potential to a broader range of potential local and international customers.
“As we continue to build and grow the company’s hydrogen ecosystem, Pure Hydrogen is well positioned to capitalise on opportunities in the country’s booming energy sector.”
Pure Hydrogen national sales manager, Clint Butler, said that while navigating the approvals process posed significant challenges, he was glad to see that the team has now overcome these obstacles in close consultation with domestic policymakers.
After over 12 months of rigorous vehicle testing, Pure Hydrogen has successfully completed the homologation and road approval process for its trial.
“In doing so, we are also pleased to have established a more streamlined pathway to market for this ground-breaking technology for ourselves but also for future hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to come to the Australian market,” said Butler.
“Having the right process in place now and the learnings that we have taken out of this, will pave the way for our other vehicles; being the waste collection 6×4 rigids and 4×2 rigid box trucks.”
Though he added, “If Australia is serious about decarbonising, then things have to change – weights of vehicles probably being the biggest factor. This accounts for both hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric.”
Following the trial in Queensland, the operator will assess the commercial use of the vehicle, with the potential to order further hydrogen powered vehicles if all goes well.
The Queensland Government has also launched a hydrogen awareness campaign, showing the Taurus as a hydrogen application.
“It is interesting because when government has asked previously over the years where can they help, I have always said we need your voice to the people – to get confidence in the community,” said Butler.
“The more people that see these trucks driving in their streets picking up their waste or pulling trailers on the motorways, then we will start to see change. If we are serious about decarbonising, we all need to take first steps now.”