Faurecia, a French automotive supplier with its North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, is part of a group of companies selected by the California Energy Commission (CEC) to develop and demonstrate a hydrogen-fueled, regional-haul Class 8 truck.
Fronted by California-based Symbio, the Symbio H2 Central Valley Express project, supported with $2 million from the CEC, will develop and demonstrate a hydrogen fuel cell truck that matches the performance of a 15-liter diesel truck providing a zero-emission solution for demanding regional-haul trucking operations.
Starting in the second half of 2023, the truck will run for 12 months on a 400-mile route between the Inland Empire and Northern San Joaquin Valley. Located inside California natural gas investor-owned utility territory, it will utilize existing and future hydrogen infrastructure primarily provided by Air Liquide, Shell, and Trillium’s. This hydrogen truck project strives to support California’s goal to achieve economy wide carbon neutrality by 2045.
Faurecia’s role in the project is providing a complete hydrogen storage system with five 700-bar homologated tanks. In addition to the company’s manufacturing global footprint, systems integration experience, and R&D hydrogen center of expertise, Faurecia has a record of hydrogen commercial and light commercial vehicles on the road with international OEMs including Stellantis, Hyundai, and Hyvia.
“This special project showcases the strength of a unique ecosystem of partners with innovative technologies of which Faurecia is proud to be a part of, in a region that is leading the future of clean energy,” says Jose-Vicente March, zero emission general manager at Faurecia. “We appreciate the trust given to us by the California Energy Commission to enhance hydrogen technology solutions for heavy duty mobility. It shows great confidence in Faurecia’s hydrogen storage systems’ expertise and strategic vision for hydrogen mobility as a cornerstone of the energy transition.”
Tire manufacturer Michelin also is part of the consortium, providing low-rolling-resistance tires that combine safety, longevity, environmental protection, and increased load capacity.
