Hydrogen Vehicle Demonstrations (HVD)

AMTA, in partnership with HTEC, has been awarded $2.34 million by Natural Resources Canada to develop Canada’s first commercial hydrogen fueling station for heavy-duty vehicles. The station will support real-world trials of AZETEC fuel cell electric trucks operating between Edmonton and Calgary.

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Alberta-based commercial carriers will have the opportunity to test commercial vehicles that operate with alternative, energy-efficient fuels within their regular business operations. Through this project, AMTA – in collaboration with its project partners – will lead Canada’s first heavy-duty alternative fuel demonstrations.

Apply for the HVD Program

Learn More about Hydrogen in Alberta

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AMTA's Hydrogen Vehicle Demonstration project?

Starting in fall 2022, AMTA will oversee the Hydrogen Vehicle Demonstration project – the first of its kind in Canada. Through this venture, and in collaboration with its project partners, AMTA will offer carriers opportunities to use and test – within their own operations – Class 8 vehicles that operate with hydrogen fuel. These trials will look at the performance of hydrogen-fueled vehicles on Alberta roads, payloads, and weather conditions and will address challenges around fuel cell reliability, infrastructure, and vehicle cost and maintenance.

As modern technologies continue to evolve, our industry must adapt and adjust accordingly. The need to keep pace with innovative technologies in the commercial transportation industry requires a collaborative approach.

AMTA works closely with a broad range of stakeholders – including our valued members, industry, all three levels of government, project partners, and the community – to identify and research critical and emerging opportunities that support the commercial transportation sector; we collaborate to propose and implement data-driven solutions that meet the needs and challenges of our industry and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

AMTA is pleased to introduce this innovative technology to our carriers in a low-risk and cost-effective way. The project will help Canada reach its 2030 net-zero goals and will support the widespread adoption of zero-emission commercial vehicles.

Demonstrations are expected to begin in fall 2022.

How do I apply to participate in this project?

Please use this application form to express your interest in the Hydrogen Commercial Vehicle Demonstration program.

Please note: Submitting this application does not guarantee approval in the program. AMTA will review all applications to ensure eligibility. Limited spaces available.

Why should I participate in this project?

The heavy-duty commercial (freight) transportation sector is one of Canada’s largest emitters of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Canada and Alberta, accounting for approximately 25% of all emissions. About 35% of those – 65.4 Mt of carbon dioxide – come from heavy-duty trucks. Recognizing this, the industry must accept and embrace its joint responsibility to find ways to reduce GHGs, working together to help Canada reach its 2030 net-zero-emission goals (Canada’s zero-emission vehicles policy sales targets of 10% by 2025, 30% by 2030, and 100% by 2050).

Such efforts will not only promote the long-term sustainability of the commercial transportation industry but also help to build a greener future for all.

Hydrogen fuel-cell electric technology harnesses a safe, clean, and reliable fuel source. Emissions reduction and improved performance will be the catalyst for a new, robust, and thriving hydrogen economy for Albertans.

How will participating in these demonstrations benefit our fleet?

By participating in the Hydrogen Commercial Vehicle Demonstrations, carriers will:

Be the first to test this emerging clean technology
Receive free hydrogen training
Receive a GHG reduction report

What is the cost to participate in this program?

There is no cost* to eligible and approved carriers to participate in this trial. Funding for this project is sourced through federal grants provided by Natural Resources Canada and Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan).

* Additional insurance may be required. Estimated fuel costs for applicable fleet trials are to be reflected at the current price of gas/ diesel at the time of vehicle use.

What driver training is required, and how will this training be delivered?

Who will manage commercial vehicle rentals?

Driving Force will manage short-term rental agreements and vehicle fueling schedules and control maintenance planning.

What are the driver requirements for these demonstrations?

Each fleet participating in the demonstrations must identify its designated driver(s).

Fleets will be responsible to ensure that all driver(s) selected complete mandatory training, possess a clean driver’s abstract, a minimum of 10 years’ commercial driving experience, and demonstrate driver excellence.

What are some of the project restrictions for fleets participating in the demonstration?

Where will I be able to fuel the commercial vehicles?

Suncor Energy will provide the fueling infrastructure – including hydrogen production, conditioning, distribution, and dispensing. Hydrogen will be generated, purified, and compressed at the Suncor refinery in Edmonton before being transported to a refueling depot across the street for dispensing into the hydrogen-fueled commercial trucks. Suncor is working with Hydrogen Technology and Energy Corporation (HTEC) to provide the equipment required to support fueling operations. The hydrogen fuel is produced in Alberta using natural gas and leveraging existing infrastructure at the refinery. Future operations will incorporate lower carbon intensity (CI) fuel.

What are the benefits of this project?

Carriers will be introduced to this innovative technology in a low-risk way; they will learn how hydrogen can benefit day-to-day business operations. Commercial drivers will gain knowledge and experience in sustainable vehicle technologies, fuel, safety, and other operational and environmental efficiencies.

Additional benefits include:

Increased public awareness about zero emissions and the benefits of using low- to zero-emission vehicles.
Reduced risks associated with hydrogen adoption.
Highlight hydrogen to government, industry, stakeholders, and the community.
Support Canada’s clean energy transition and advance its hydrogen economy.
Provide meaningful data that can be used to develop and advance policies and regulations.
Economic development
- Spur foreign investment
- New job creation
- Help alleviate driver shortages by attracting/retaining quality people to the industry
- Create and promote careers in commercial transportation
Enhance vehicle performance
- Torque and acceleration
- Extended driving range
- Lower maintenance costs
- Similar fueling process (to diesel)
Fleet operators can objectively evaluate the costs and savings associated with converting traditional diesel operations to hydrogen
ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) reporting will place your fleet in a position to show results on how your company strives to protect the environment, address social causes, and otherwise conducts itself responsibly.