Loop Energy sees continued positive growth in the global hydrogen truck market in partnership with hydrogen fuel cell customers based in Colombia and Spain.
Loop Energy™ (TSX: LPEN), a developer and manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cells for commercial mobility, announces two new customers, each developing mid-duty hydrogen-powered electric trucks.
Opex, a Colombian battery and hydrogen fuel cell system integrator, and Avia Ingeniería, a Spanish electric powertrain supplier and systems integrator, both plan to test hydrogen electric vehicles in 2023.
Loop Energy is entering the pilot phase of the customer adoption cycle with both companies, expanding its presence in the dynamic European market and establishing its first relationship in the emerging South American market. The news comes after Loop Energy recently updated its order forecast for the next 18 months.
After supplying components and infrastructure for battery electric vehicles for more than a decade, Opex two years ago identified fuel cells as a solution for commercial vehicles in Latin America.
Starting with a prototype, Opex aims to develop a logistics truck using Loop Energy’s S300 (30 kW) fuel cell as a range extender. Once built, the truck is expected to be tested by a local fleet operator to assess how the technology can be deployed in larger truck applications.
Avia Ingeniería also plans to use Loop Energy’s 30 kW fuel cell as a range extender in a semi-trailer transport truck. The truck is part of the ShineFleet project, which includes various Spanish technology and engineering companies, including Técnicas Reunidas.
The objective of the pilot is to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen technology and educate fleet operators on how to scale a fleet. A logistics fleet operator is expected to incorporate the truck into its service routes once it becomes operational in 2023.
george rubincommercial director of Loop Energy, said:
We have seen positive growth in the use of fuel cells in medium-duty electric trucks.
“Our team continues to identify manufacturers and fleet operators committed to the deployment of hydrogen electric fleets around the world. It is great to see Opex and Avia Ingeniería setting a positive example in their respective markets.
Climate change mitigation, regulatory pressure and energy security concerns are forcing manufacturers and fleet operators to invest in and operate hydrogen electric trucks instead of traditional diesel combustion engine vehicles.
Benefits such as extended range, lighter weight and rapid refueling are key factors in reducing total cost of ownership, making fuel cell vehicles an attractive zero-emissions solution.
About Opex SAS
Opex SAS is a Colombian company with 10 years of experience in the market. Among its main activities in the market are the sale and rental of products such as lead-acid batteries, Li-Ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. The company also provides products such as forklifts and batteries for warehouses, including product installation and maintenance.
Over the past two years, Opex has been involved in several research projects related to clean energy and the use of hydrogen. We have installed the first hydrogen refueling station in the entire South American region. For more information visit: www.opex.com.co
About Avia Engineering
Avia is an independent company specializing in the design, manufacture of prototypes and small series of special vehicles. The company’s philosophy as an engineer is to offer its ability to develop high-tech projects and to be present in research projects in the fields of new energies and materials.
It offers its customers solutions ranging from the simplest execution of manufacturing plans to the most advanced integral projects, contributing, with its knowledge, its technology and its IT resources. Avia brings extensive experience in the fields of aeronautics, automotive, agricultural equipment and public works.
About Loop Energy Inc.
Loop Energy is a leading designer and manufacturer of fuel cell systems for commercial vehicle electrification, including light-duty vehicles, city buses, and medium and heavy-duty trucks. Loop’s products incorporate the company’s proprietary eFlow™ technology into bipolar fuel cell plates.
eFlow™ is designed to enable commercial customers to maximize performance and minimize costs. Loop is working with OEMs and major vehicle subsystem suppliers to enable the production of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. For more information on how Loop is moving toward an emissions-free future, visit www.loopenergy.com.
Loop Energy Sees Continued Positive Growth in Global Hydrogen Truck Market, VANCOUVER, BC, October 6, 2022