General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Autocar Industries announced Thursday that the two company’s have agreed to collaborate on creating hydrogen-fueled heavy vehicles utilizing GM's fuel cell unit, Hydrotec.
These innovative vehicles, aiming for zero emissions, will replace conventional diesel-powered models like cement mixers, dump trucks, refuse trucks, road maintenance vehicles, and terminal tractors.
Production of these groundbreaking vehicles is expected to begin in 2026 at Autocar's Birmingham, Alabama plant.
"We want to enable zero tailpipe emissions solutions for the largest, highest energy consuming vehicles, and fuel cells are ideal for the most energy intensive applications," said Hydrotec executive director Charlie Freese.
Hydrotec will supply "power cubes" containing over 300 hydrogen fuel cells, in addition to specialized "thermal and power management systems and proprietary controls." Each power cube will deliver 77 kilowatts of power.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles operate by combining hydrogen with oxygen to generate energy and water, subsequently powering a battery. They offer the advantage of refueling within minutes and boast significantly longer ranges compared to Battery Electric Vehicles.
"As regulations change, we see Hydrotec fuel cells as an additional avenue for our customers to meet their EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) requirements with zero tailpipe emissions vehicles," said Autocar president Eric Schwartz.
Shares of GM are up 1.66% in mid-day trading on Thursday.