Verne has completed the development of the “world’s first” cryo-compressed (CcH2) hydrogen-powered truck.

It wsa showcased at the Alberta Motor Transport Association Innovation Expo in Edmonton, Canada, where fleet operators had the chance to inspect the truck. Verne will now begin drive testing of the vehicle in advance of “multiple commercial pilots.”

The truck uses Diesel Tech Industries’ (DTI) guardian hydrogen diesel system, which can serve as an “important bridge technology for the trucking industry,” allowing fleets to trial hydrogen fuelling and driving without additional investments.

Verne expects to demonstrate the range and payload improvements of CcH2 with DTI’s system and conduct trials and commercial pilots with “leading vehicle manufacturers in the US and Canada” using dual-fuel engines, hydrogen combustion engines and fuel cells.

DTI’s COO, Rebecca Goldsack, claimed the collaboration will maximise onboard hydrogen storage while maintaining the flexibility and reliability of a diesel engine.

“The seamless retrofit of this dual-fuel solution – without altering the truck’s wheelbase – meets our customers’ demands for extended range and fewer tanks, all while enabling the use of sleeper cabs,” she said.

Ted McKlveen, Verne co-founder and CEO, stated, “Demonstrating the first Class 8 truck powered by CcH2 will be a major milestone for the hydrogen industry and a big step towards decarbonising trucking at scale.”

The Canadian firm was supported on this initiative by Alberta Innovates, through their Hydrogen Centre of Excellence programme. The grant totalled CAD $2m, dependent on meeting specific milestones throughout the project.

Read more: First-of-its-kind project in Canada to demonstrate performance benefits of CcH2 in trucks

Malcolm Bruce, CEO of Edmonton Global, said, “Verne’s innovative technology and partnership with DTI is a clear demonstration of the coordinated and aggressive action taking place in the Edmonton Metro Region to drive hydrogen technology adoption in our commercial transportation sector.”