Industry members are the key motivation to the AMTA Research and Innovation team. We desire to accelerate technologies that enhance safety, extend operational efficiencies or support environmental stewardship for the commercial transportation industry.
With our members by our side, we’re currently advancing the following projects:
Zero Emissions Vehicle Awareness Initiative
Leveraging the most abundant element in the universe
The Zero Emissions Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI) includes developing and executing educational tools and safe operating procedures for commercial drivers and first responders, and increasing hydrogen awareness.
Project goals are to de-risk market entry and facilitate early market adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy alternative. Data concerning vehicle performance, driver behaviours, and maintenance will be collected during the hydrogen commercial vehicle demonstrations. The driver experience will inform industry on technology benefits that support driver health, including, but not limited to, reductions in vehicle sound and vibrations.
Alberta Zero Emissions Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC)
Supported by Emissions Reduction Alberta, this $17.2 million project is designing and demonstrating two hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks on Alberta’s highways for daily operations between Edmonton and Calgary.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstration (EVID)
Through EVID we will design, test, and demonstrate Alberta’s the first commercial vehicle hydrogen fueling station. Regulatory processes and standard operating procedures for hydrogen storage, transport, and dispensing will be advanced. The station will operate year-round supporting Alberta’s harsh, winter environment. Data collected from the refueling stations will help define vehicle fueling times as well as fueling variances that occur due to vehicle type and ambient weather.
Cooperative Truck Platooning System (CTPS)
The Cooperative Truck Platooning System (CTPS) trial successfully demonstrated two Class 8 connected automated vehicles (CAVs). Each truck was equipped with Level 2 driving automation that supported lane centering, and adaptive cruise control features. The vehicles platooned as a "road train" separated by three, four, or five-second intervals. This trial is the first study in Canada to demonstrate CTPS in business operations on public roads.
Hydrogen Vehicle Demonstrations (HVD)
AMTA has been awarded $2,340,500 by Natural Energy Canada to develop Canada’s first commercial vehicle hydrogen fueling station. This fueling station is being developed by project partners HTEC to support the AZETEC heavy duty fuel cell electric vehicles as they operate in real world trials between Edmonton to Calgary.
Zero Emission Truck Testbed (ZETT)
AMTA is working with Deloitte and Transport Canada on the Zero Emission Truck Testbed (ZETT) project, which will put four zero-emission Class-8 trucks into service under real-world operating scenarios with four different commercial transportation companies. This truck testbed project will be conducted with three hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks in Alberta and one battery electric truck that will follow a cross-border route from Surrey, BC to Mount Vernon, Washington.
AMTA Industry Innovations Expo
AMTA hosted our first ever Industry Innovations Expo at the Edmonton Convention Centre on September 26, 2024. AMTA showcased a suite of progressive vehicle innovations, including zero emission hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric vehicles plus lower emission hydrogen and CNG dual fuel vehicles. Participants included exhibitors and attendees representing other components of the evolving transportation ecosystem that support the development and safe operation of these alternative fuel vehicles here in Alberta.
“I can’t speak highly enough about what AMTA’s doing right now to advance zero emissions technology in the Alberta market. Obviously this ecosystem AMTA is involved in with other players will be a game changer in what we see in the next year.”
- Mark Thackeray, Vice President, Regional Sales, Nikola Motor Company
AMTA is in a unique position to be able to connect the transportation industry with academia, entrepreneurs, businesses, policy regulators and funding opportunities. AMTA members – WE NEED YOU!
We need your help as research and innovation partners to:
Identify industry problems
Test and demonstrate industry technologies
Early technology adopters
Late technology adopters
Please connect with our Industry Advancement team to learn more on our transformative industry changes, if you have any questions about ZEVAI, if you are interested in signing up for the Hydrogen Commercial Vehicle Demonstrations and trials, or if you would like to tour the facilities.