Link with Lion Energy sees vehicle importer eye hydrogen refueling sector
Queensland-based BLK Auto has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lion Energy on a non-binding collaboration to assess opportunities to grow Australia’s hydrogen transport and infrastructure capabilities.
The move represents a consolidation for the specialist vehicle importer and distributor.
Having begun imports of battery electric JAC light trucks and signed a deal with All Purpose Transport in August, BLK partnered with hydrogen fuel cell-powered (HFC-powered) commercial vehicles firm Hyzon Motors for a hydrogen-powered coach.
Under the terms of the MoU, Lion and BLK Auto will collaborate on co-marketing and joint commercialisation opportunities with a view to leveraging both companies’ capabilities to provide both hydrogen transport and hydrogen infrastructure opportunities for a wide range of Australian industries.
Hyzon has made headlines of its own this year, not least with a deal to supply HFC-powered prime movers to Townsville Logistics and is being linked with a seperate hydrogen supply infrastructure tilt.
Read about BLK’s JAC deal with All Purpose Transport, here
Lion and BLK Auto note that Australia is at the forefront of the rapid emergence of hydrogen as a clean energy alternative to traditional fuels and this agreement paves the way for them to provide opportunities for Australian businesses looking to decarbonise their vehicle fleets.
“We are very pleased to work with quality operators like BLK Auto on helping the bus industry meet its zero-emission targets,” Lion executive chairman Tom Soulsby said.
“There is a complementarity in our plans, so working together will enhance the hydrogen proposition for bus operators.”
Though the initial thrust of Lion is towards buses, the company has made its truck refuelling ambitions clear in its ‘hydrogen roadmap’ plan.
This plan points to its “initially focusing its strategy on a decentralised, low capital intensive and shorter lead time part of the green hydrogen chain. That is, green hydrogen and refueling infrastructure attached to the national energy market for the domestic heavy mobility market (buses and trucks).”
Last month, it stated that is was evaluating the potential for building a network of modular hydrogen production and refueling stations across Australia, with an initial focus on Queensland.
For BLK Auto, the move marks a potentially significant diversification.
“This MoU is just the beginning of a relationship that has the opportunity to provide both hydrogen transport options and hydrogen infrastructure for customers looking to decarbonise their vehicle fleets,” MD Jason Pecotic said.
“We are excited to be collaborating with Lion Energy on this ambition and look forward to seeing what opportunities arise.”