Legacy automakers Toyota and Hyundai partnered with established energy firms to deploy more refueling stations for their hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in Australia, Drive reports.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Australia, Ampol and leading hydrogen technologies specialist Pacific Energy to help develop hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.”
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia Sales and Marketing Head
Partnership details
Toyota, Hyundai, Ampol, and Pacific Energy officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in expanding the nationwide hydrogen refueling network. Interestingly, reports refer to the agreement as a mere “handshake deal in writing,” as there are still no investments from any of the companies.
Notably, both automakers currently have approximately 50 hydrogen FCEV models in Australia under separate fleet pilot programs. These models remain under fleet trials due to the country’s lack of refueling stations.
As indicated in the report, there are less than 100 hydrogen FCEV models on Australia’s roads.
In response, the four companies seek to eliminate this barrier in a way they still need to determine.
“This partnership agreement brings together four like-minded companies that are all leading proponents of Australia’s growing hydrogen economy.
Both Toyota and Hyundai have fuel-cell electric vehicles in customer programs while Ampol and Pacific Energy are heavily invested in growing sustainable energy development and distribution.
This (agreement) is a vital development because hydrogen ecosystems must involve sectors uniting so they can bring together their skills, technologies and applications.”
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia Sales and Marketing Head
Mr. Hanley further emphasized the parties’ dedication to research and develop advanced technologies and strategies to have a sufficient and reliable refueling station in the country.
“It’s an agreement that demonstrates a commitment to work together on further opportunities to explore and grow this vital technology… which will play a role in the transition to more renewable energy sources (for motor vehicles).
This is yet another important chapter in our multi-pathway approach to (reducing vehicle emissions).”
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia Sales and Marketing Head
Purpose
These major industry players aim to explore potential strategies to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen stations, which will support the country’s shift to clean mobility.
Currently, these refueling stations are limited to only 6 locations nationwide, including one each at Toyota and Hyundai headquarters. There is also one in Canberra and another one in Brisbane.
That said, there is undoubtedly a major lack of the necessary infrastructure to support the potential surge in FCEV models in the country. In fact, it discourages automakers from offering hydrogen-powered vehicles.
“Hydrogen can play an important role in delivering decarbonisation benefits for transport and developing the right infrastructure to support a successful rollout is key.The MoU establishes a collaborative working relationship between the parties, who are all required to develop the necessary hydrogen ecosystem to make hydrogen use as a transport fuel feasible.”
Matthew Halliday, Ampol Managing Director
Pacific Energy’s Chief also expressed his delight with the newly formed partnership, noting the company’s commitment to contribute to the green energy transition.
“Our purpose at Pacific Energy is to transition the world to a clean energy future. To be successful, we know we must collectively lean into bold opportunities that help accelerate our journey towards net zero, and we know hydrogen and zero emissions vehicles play an important role in this approach.”
Pacific Energy CEO Jamie Cullen
Further plans
As mentioned, FCEV models are still inaccessible to the public in Australia due to the limited supply of hydrogen for the transportation sector.
Therefore, only about 50 models under fleet trials are only accessible to companies and government officials through a lease program.
Despite this major challenge, Hyundai aims to launch the NEXO model into the wider Australian market through a subscription model.
“In 2021, Hyundai deployed 23 NEXO Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles into Canberra as a partner in the ACT Government’s hydrogen station project – the first hydrogen refueller of its kind in Australia.
Our consortium partners have a great track record of deploying energy and refueling infrastructure, along with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Hyundai looks forward to working with our experienced partner companies and the broader government and business community in the ACT to help the transition to a cleaner and greener transport future.”
Hyundai Australia CEO Ted Lee
Likewise, Toyota also plans to offer its second-gen Mirai FCEV to private customers by 2025, according to Car Sales.
“The cars are here. We just need to get an infrastructure to support them. But … in fairness to energy companies, they need a commitment to vehicles coming to this country to sustain their investment.”
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia Sales and Marketing Head
The companies have yet to decide on the exact timeline and financial investment for the partnership’s refueling station-related plans. The potential advancements of this new partnership among major industry players can undoubtedly reach new heights in accelerating Australia’s refueling station development and supporting the shift to cleaner mobility.
