Hydra Energy is making its way into Alberta as it secures its second paying customer, marking a significant milestone for the company. Specializing in retrofitting diesel engines to run on a combination of hydrogen and diesel, Hydra Energy claims to reduce emissions by approximately 40% while maintaining optimal performance. Last year, the company proudly announced Lodgewood Enterprises as its inaugural paying fleet customer.
The latest addition to Hydra Energy’s clientele is Veteran Express Secure Logistics (VEXSL), which plans to adopt the innovative technology for what they assert will be the world’s first hydrogen-converted armored vehicle. Cole Fouillard, CEO of VEXSL, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing meaningful career opportunities to first responders and military veterans. Fouillard further expressed their dedication to integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance the safety and security of supply chains.
Fouillard explained, “Retrofitting our trucks to minimize our environmental impact is a logical next step in our ongoing dedication to the communities we serve and our adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. What’s truly remarkable about Hydra’s hydrogen truck conversions is that they come at no cost to us, have no adverse effects on truck performance or warranties, and do not necessitate waiting for over a year for new trucks. Instead, we can retrofit our existing fleet.”
VEXSL, a transportation service owned and operated by veterans, utilizes armored vehicles for high-risk and high-value deliveries across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and soon the United States. Hydra Energy’s Hydrogen-as-a-Service (HaaS) model offers diesel truck retrofits to fleets without any financial burden. The service also encompasses a hydrogen fuel contract, including cost parity with diesel for fueling infrastructure.
Jessica Verhagen, CEO of Hydra Energy, expressed her enthusiasm for expanding operations to Alberta, stating, “Alberta was a natural progression for our HaaS offering as it allows us to extend our reach from our Prince George hub further east into Canada along established trucking routes. We commend the Alberta government’s endeavors to facilitate the broader adoption of hydrogen in heavy-duty transportation. We recognize that with Hydra’s commercially available technology, transportation markets can rapidly advance their decarbonization efforts once there is an increase in refueling infrastructure.”
Hydra Energy’s move into Alberta and its partnership with VEXSL not only showcases the company’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation solutions but also highlights the growing potential of hydrogen as a viable option for reducing emissions in the heavy-duty transportation sector. As more customers embrace this innovative approach, the prospect of widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles becomes increasingly tangible.