This project will feature the development of two long range fuel cell electric trucks (FCET) for operation between Edmonton and Calgary. These fuel cell hybrid trucks will be powered by Ballard Power Systems next generation, proton exchange membrane fuel cell engine, integrated along with a lithium ion battery pack into a hybrid electric drive by Dana, on a Freightliner Cascadia Class 8 truck platform. Hydrogen for the project will be generated by Suncor Energy. The hydrogen purification and compression units will be located at Suncor, 800 Petroleum Way, Sherwood Park, Alberta, and the gas transfer module for commercial fueling will be located across the road at Suncor, 801 Petroleum Way, Sherwood Park, Alberta. This project intends to develop and demonstrate a 700-km plus range zero emission truck. These trucks will demonstrate a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions based on the improved fuel efficiency of the fuel cell hybrid drivetrain, with a pathway to even greater emissions reductions in the future as carbon is sequestered at the hydrogen generation facility.
The AZETEC project is the first transportation technology project to be conducted in the newly opened 7-acre Phase 1 of the AMTA training and testing facility at the Edmonton International Airport. This facility was built to function as a commercial transportation hub for safety training development and delivery, as well as various research and technology innovation projects. AMTA is eager to advance a wide range of applied transportation research, testing of new technologies, and advanced driver training.