Developer of hydrogen-electric powertrains ZeroAvia has received $3.25 million in funding by the California Energy Commission (CEC) to develop a first-of-a-kind liquid hydrogen (LH2) refuelling truck. The vehicle will be suitable for a variety of heavy-duty applications, including aviation and maritime uses.
Work will commence this month at California’s Livermore Municipal Airport to design, build and demonstrate the 10,000 litre truck, which aims to achieve similar flow rates to existing jet fuel refuelling vehicles. It will also be designed to improve on existing energy efficiency in LH2 applications, including reducing hydrogen boil-off to under 0.1% a day.
“Livermore is thrilled to attract the cutting-edge research and development that ZeroAvia is engaged in, leveraging our proximity to two national labs, a well-educated workforce and a capable airport,” commented Pete Sandhu, CEO of Five Rivers Aviation, the FBO at Livermore Municipal Airport.
The project is funded by the Gas R&D Program administered by the CEC and is authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission.