Hydrogen-powered trucking in B.C. advances as wider adoption remains distant

B.C. now has its first hydrogen Class 8 truck in operation after a late-2025 demonstration run by FortisBC and Loblaw, but widespread use faces barriers such as high vehicle and fuel costs, limited hydrogen supply and sparse refuelling infrastructure.

B.C. has put its first hydrogen-powered Class 8 truck on the road as part of a demonstration led by FortisBC and Loblaw. The Hyundai-made vehicle completed delivery runs between the Lower Mainland and Squamish in late 2025, and FortisBC provided a financial contribution to the project. Hydrogen is presented as an option for long-haul heavy trucks because it can offer longer range and faster refuelling than battery electric trucks. Industry and researchers say costs, supply and limited refuelling stations are the main obstacles to broader adoption, and provincial policy signals are still being awaited. Key points: - FortisBC and Loblaw announced B.C.'s first hydrogen Class 8 truck, which ran deliveries in late 2025; FortisBC contributed $30,000 to the project. - Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity on board and emit only heat and water in direct operation, and HTEC reports refuelling can take up to 20 minutes with ranges over 500 kilometres per fill. - Industry sources note battery-electric Class 8 trucks have limited range for some long-haul routes and longer charging times, which makes hydrogen attractive for certain duty cycles. - Cost remains a major barrier: the BC Trucking Association estimates hydrogen trucks cost four to five times as much as diesel models and fuel can be nearly twice the price of diesel; a Transition Accelerator report cited truck prices roughly between $470,000 and more than $800,000. - Hydrogen supply and stations are limited in B.C.; there are seven public stations reported, and local large-scale production would be needed because transport of hydrogen is costly. - Fleets are also exploring other pathways, including dual-fuel trials, natural gas vehicles for some routes and renewable diesel, while policy direction such as CleanBC's ZEV targets is under review. Summary: The demonstration shows hydrogen can operate in real-world heavy-duty freight routes and offers operational advantages for long-haul work. Wider adoption is constrained by vehicle and fuel costs, limited production and refuelling infrastructure, and uncertain policy signals. Undetermined at this time.