New-age trucks roll into show

THIS year’s Brisbane Truck Show, back and bigger than ever, will feature a range of ‘firsts’ as truck manufacturers unveil hydrogen and electric models to the public.

 

While electric trucks were a sideshow act at the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show, this year they will be front and centre alongside upcoming hydrogen fuel cell models.

 

Dedicated electric manufacturer SEA Electric will again show off its EV range, while traditional manufacturers like Volvo, Fuso and Mercedes-Benz are also likely to showcase electric models either confirmed for Australia or already on our roads. 

 

Volvo Trucks Australia recently delivered its first FE electric truck to global logistics outfit Geodis and plans to commence production of its larger electric prime mover models at its Brisbane factory in 2027.

 

The Swedish manufacturer told GoAuto it will have electric trucks on its stand at the show but didn’t share specific model details.

 

German giant Mercedes-Benz also recently confirmed its all-electric trucks, the eActros and eEconic, have rolled off the production line bound for Australia and New Zealand.

 

Four eActros and one eEconic will operate locally this year, as part of an Australian validation program, but Daimler Trucks Australia has not yet confirmed whether we will see the models in the metal at the show.

 

Punters can also expect to see various hydrogen and electric models for the first time at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show.

 

Hyundai Motor Company Australia has confirmed it will unveil its 4x2 Mighty electric truck to the Australian market, ahead of mid-year deliveries.

 

The Mighty is powered by a 120kW/320Nm traction motor backed by a 114.6kWh battery, good for a claimed laden range of more than 200km.

 

With a rated GVM of up to 7.3 tonnes for the Mighty and a payload of up to 3.5 tonnes, this electric truck offers a compelling last-mile delivery option.

 

We are told Hyundai will have two body options of its Mighty at the Brisbane Truck Show; a flatbed and pantech box.

 

HDrive, a subsidiary of Australian specialist vehicle manufacturer BLK Auto, has confirmed its hydrogen fuel cell range of trucks will be on the stand at Truck Show.

 

The company says it has already taken Australian orders for its hydrogen trucks, including a dual-control side lifter waste truck and 6x4 prime mover for fuel provider Pure Hydrogen, but it is not known exactly what models and configurations will be unveiled to the public at the show. 

 

Hyzon Motors also announced it will showcase its Australian-designed and built hydrogen fuel cell heavy rigid truck at the show, after establishing its assembly plant in south-east Melbourne last year. 

 

The company says it has designed and built the first three trucks across the past year, retrofitting its hydrogen fuel cell system in new Mercedes-Benz models.

 

“We are building our zero-emission heavy vehicles right here in Australia, using local skills, employing local people, and collaborating effectively with our colleagues across the globe,” said Hyzon Motors Inc president of international operations John Edgley.

“Our vehicle development process is following a path of design, build and validation to make use of resources that are available in Australia and provide an opportunity to train new engineers and technicians.

“Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles will play a vital role in the decarbonisation of the transport sector and be a key component of Australia and New Zealand fuel security strategy into the future.”

 

Isuzu Australia chief operating officer Andrew Harbison recently confirmed the brand’s first electric truck is heading down under, but there has no been no confirmation on whether it will feature on the stand at Truck Show.

 

The Isuzu ELF EV range, which recently launched internationally, includes standard cab models of less than 3.5 tonnes and wide-cab models up to 7.5 tonnes. 

 

“In its first iteration, this battery-electric Isuzu truck is targeted at the built-up environment, fulfilling last-mile distribution duties,” said Mr Harbison.

“It will have an immediate and obvious impact in reducing urban transport emissions and contributing to greater quality of life through reduced noise and safety features protecting both the operator and public.

“We look forward to setting out on this journey with our Australian customers.”

It is also unknown whether Paccar Australia plans to show off its expanding range of hydrogen and electric trucks, with the ZECT and FCEV zero-emission T680 models being tested in the United States.

 

Kenworth recently summited Pikes Peak in Colorado in its fuel cell T680 FCEV, and more recently unveiled its battery-electric T680E at the Las Vegas CES 2022 show.

 

Another Paccar brand that may show off its innovative future models is DAF. Its hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine XF H2 Innovation Truck, which won the Truck Innovation Award at the 2022 Solutrans Truck & Transport Exhibition in France, will hopefully make its way Down Under.

 

This year’s event will showcase the latest developments in electric and hydrogen technology, as the road transport industry transitions towards a cleaner, greener future.