TR Group Expands Commitment to Cleaner Heavy Transport with New 50-Tonne Hydrogen Prime Mover
- Hiringa Energy
- Mar 27
- 5 min read
TR Group Expands Hydrogen Truck Range, Accelerating Clean Transport Solutions
Today, TR Group launches its hydrogen 50-tonne prime mover with a customer event at
Hampton Downs Racetrack, produced in partnership with Global Bus Ventures (GBV), K1W1
and Toyota New Zealand. This truck offers a practical zero-emissions solution for heavy freight transport and can operate with conventional trailers and loads. It has comparable refuelling times with diesel and will align with normal operator driving hours and schedules.
In other the words, this hydrogen fuel cell truck can operate like a conventional diesel truck —
just without the emissions.
The 50-tonne GBV hydrogen prime mover is based on the well-known DAF CF 530, with a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell conversion by local experts GBV. The truck's energy comes from two Toyota 85kW fuel cells (170kW total), a 124kWh battery system, and 52kg of onboard hydrogen storage, providing 450-500km* of driving range. Power is delivered by a 350kW/2400Nm electric motor paired with a 6-speed gearbox, providing superior pulling power.
GBV has been producing heavy vehicles for over 50 years and is renowned for its electric heavy vehicle innovation. Today, the company stands as New Zealand’s leading hydrogen vehicle integrator. GBV is best known for introducing New Zealand’s first hydrogen heavy vehicle, the Auckland Transport hydrogen bus, and more recently, for designing and supplying the hydrogen-electric power systems for the America’s Cup chase boats. Mike Parker, Executive Vice President of GVB, stated: “This prime mover represents several years of R&D, making its launch into commercial operation a significant milestone for the company.”
Tatsuya Ishikawa, CEO, Toyota New Zealand, stated: “Toyota’s ongoing work with hydrogen
technology in New Zealand aligns with its global commitment to carbon neutrality. From heavy-duty commercial vehicles to hydrogen-powered marine vessels and off-grid generators, Toyota is demonstrating that hydrogen is more than just a fuel—it’s a key part of the clean energy future. Through its investments and collaborations, Toyota New Zealand is helping to build a robust hydrogen ecosystem that will benefit both businesses and communities across the country. Through our diverse efforts, Toyota New Zealand is bolstering the domestic hydrogen industry while also demonstrating the versatility and potential of hydrogen technology in creating a sustainable energy landscape.”
TR Group’s General Manager, Brendan King, stated: “Having been on the decarbonization
journey for several years now, and with over 60 battery-electric trucks and New Zealand’s first
commercial heavy hydrogen truck we are delighted further to expand our hydrogen truck
options for our customers. This includes 16 hydrogen 50-tonne prime movers, 4 Hyundai Xcient FCEV rigid chassis trucks, as well as several CH2NGE dual-fuel truck options.”
The 20 zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell trucks are part of a Government-supported programme alongside Hiringa Energy, who already have three hydrogen fuel stations operating with one more under construction now. The government support enables the first 20 zero-emission hydrogen trucks to be offered at competitive lease rates.
Hiringa Energy co-founder and Chief Executive Andrew Clennett said having a New Zealand-based truck integrator now makes hydrogen more viable than ever.
“Hydrogen is ultra-fast, reliable and available now. The Hiringa refuelling network covers 95% of North Island freight routes, allowing transport operators to reduce carbon emissions without impacting productivity, this meets the growing customer demand for decarbonised supply chains. We congratulate TR Group and GBV on this milestone achievement and look forward to having these trucks on the network.”
Hyundai New Zealand are delighted to continue their support of the increased use of Hydrogen FCEV trucks in New Zealand with an additional 4 Xcient heavy duty trucks to complement the success of the first Hyundai truck, operated by NZ Post contractor Shea Transport. With 180,000kms already on the clock, the truck is operating seamlessly in the NZ Post network having already achieved 201 tonnes of C02 avoided to date.
Why Green Hydrogen? Efficient heavy transport is about moving the most freight with the fewest trucks possible while staying within legal driving limitations. Green hydrogen is the only zero-emission solution that operates just like a diesel truck. A driver of a hydrogen truck can start a 12-hour shift, drive for 5.5 hours, take a driver break, then drive for another 5.5 hours. With a quick 15-minute refuel as needed, a driver swap allows the cycle to repeat—ensuring continuous, efficient operation.
TR Group is not only reaffirming its commitment to alternative fuels but also setting a strong
example for the industry. Our goal of becoming the best in the world at hiring trucks and trailers means we will be at the forefront of the latest technology with cleaner, more efficient transport solutions and shaping a sustainable future for heavy transport.
Our Hydrogen truck options are here, they have a fuel network that works, and you can use
them in the same way as a traditional diesel truck – just without the emissions.
*driving range dependent on driver, routes and environmental conditions.
Hiringa Energy Contact - Ryan McDonald +27 919 7961 rmcdonald@hiringaenergy.com
TR Group Contact - Grant Doull, +6421379197 grant.doull@trgroup.co.nz
Hiringa Energy owns and operates Australasia’s first and largest green hydrogen refuelling
network. It’s three refuelling stations in South Auckland, Hamilton and Palmerston North
produce and store emissions-free green hydrogen, and provide ultra fast refuelling for the heavy transport industry. A fourth station is currently being constructed in Tauranga and will be operating from June this year. Hiringa aims to use its deep hydrogen and energy sector
experience to remove barriers and accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen applications
across multiple sectors including aviation, road transport, rail, marine, materials handling, off
highway, and remote use. For more information, visit www.hiringaenergy.com
TR Group has been operating for over 30 years and is New Zealand’s most well-known heavy
truck rental, leasing, and fleet management organisation. With 10,000 heavy vehicles across
ANZ, they are leading the way in supporting and promoting low- and zero-emission trucks in
New Zealand with over 60 zero emission BEV trucks already in their lease and rental fleet.
Global Bus Ventures is a New Zealand pioneer of sustainable heavy vehicles with over 30 years of experience. Operating locally out of Rolleston, GBV has produced a wide array of vehicles to service overseas markets in Australia, Asia, the Middle East, and domestic New Zealand.
Beginning with micro-turbine hybrid electric buses at the turn of the millennium, GBV have
since produced New Zealand’s first hydrogen electric buses, developed powertrains for the
world’s first foiling hydrogen chase boats of the 37th America’s Cup race, and now, are in the
midst of producing hydrogen electric heavy trucks.
As a globally recognized hydrogen system integrator, GBV continues to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future, right here from New Zealand.
Toyota New Zealand, which supplies the fuel cells, has been at the forefront of promoting
hydrogen as a sustainable energy source, actively supporting the domestic hydrogen industry
and pioneering innovative applications of hydrogen technology across various sectors.
In 2022, Toyota introduced the hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV)-powered Toyota Mirai to New Zealand, demonstrating the potential of hydrogen as a clean alternative to traditional combustion engines. Two Toyota Mirai are currently being shared by eight corporate organisations as part of the Toyota Hydrogen Project, while another is being leased to Coregas NZ.
Toyota's hydrogen technology has also been adapted for maritime use. During the America's
Cup racing in Auckland in 2021 and Barcelona in 2024, Emirates Team New Zealand introduced the 'Chase Zero'—the world’s first ever hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat. This vessel utilises two Toyota fuel cells to generate electricity, propelling the boat to speeds of up to 35 knots with water as the only emissions.
Hyundai New Zealand is a leading innovator in mobility, offering a versatile range of vehicles
from stylish passenger vehicles to robust trucks built for Kiwi conditions. With a growing
presence in the commercial sector, Hyundai’s trucks deliver reliability, efficiency, and
performance trusted by businesses across the country. As part of its commitment to a cleaner
future, Hyundai New Zealand is also pioneering hydrogen technology, introducing zero-
emission solutions like the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck to help drive sustainable transport forward.