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Verne unveils world-first cryo-compressed hydrogen heavy-duty truck
Edmonton, Alberta [September 26, 2024] — Today, Verne and its industry partners debuted the world’s first heavy-duty Class 8 truck powered by cryo-compressed hydrogen (CcH2). The vehicle was unveiled at the Alberta Motor Transport Association Innovation Expo taking place in Edmonton. The first-of-kind cryo-compressed hydrogen truck uses Diesel Tech Industries’ (DTI) Guardian Hydrogen Diesel System, which is a retrofit of a traditional diesel engine to enable the vehicle to run on a blend of diesel and hydrogen.
Verne’s CcH2 fuel storage system represents a significant step forward for hydrogen-fueled transportation technology. The novel storage system allows heavy-duty vehicles to store more energy onboard while using fewer heavy, expensive storage tanks. Verne’s CcH2 technology works by cooling and compressing hydrogen to 23 g/L internal density — hydrogen’s maximum density. This allows vehicles equipped with Verne’s technology to store 33% more hydrogen compared to liquid hydrogen and 87% more compared to conventional 700 bar compressed hydrogen gas.
By enabling fleets to travel longer distances at a lower cost, this breakthrough technology is a significant step forward for the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge, which aims to get 5,000 hydrogen or dual-fuel vehicles on the road in Western Canada in five years. The technology will contribute to de-risking vehicle ownership by making hydrogen-powered trucks more accessible and efficient for commercial use — generating demand that will help build out a reliable hydrogen refueling network across Western Canada.
Verne will soon begin third-party drive testing of the truck in advance of multiple commercial pilots in 2025. Verne and Diesel Tech Industries (DTI) will demonstrate the range and payload improvements of high-density CcH2 fuel with the Guardian Hydrogen Diesel System. Verne plans to conduct demonstrations and commercial pilots with leading vehicle manufacturers and fleets in Canada and the United States using dual-fuel engines, hydrogen combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells, as all three technologies will play an important role in decarbonizing the heavy-duty transportation sector.
Verne previously achieved a CcH2 storage record during stationary demonstration of a 29kg storage tank at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and completed drive testing of a smaller-scale vehicle powered by CcH2. Verne is also developing CcH2 refueling, densification and distribution solutions to enable the full ecosystem of cryo-compressed hydrogen for heavy-duty transportation.
Heavy-duty transportation is responsible for 12% of global CO2 emissions, and Verne’s technology will act as a solution to meeting the range and payload requirements of heavy-duty truck fleets where current zero emission options face significant challenges.
Last April, Verne was granted funding through Alberta Innovates and Emissions Reduction Alberta to support the development and demonstration of its CcH2 Class 8 truck. In an announcement at the 2024 Canadian Hydrogen Convention, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith committed $57 million in technology and innovation funding to advance hydrogen projects in Alberta, with Verne being one of 28 recipients.
Quotes:
“Demonstrating the first ever Class 8 truck powered by cryo-compressed hydrogen is a huge milestone for the hydrogen industry and a big step towards decarbonizing trucking at scale”
Ted McKlveen, Co-founder & CEO, Verne
“Diesel Tech Industries is thrilled to partner with Verne in integrating the Verne CcH2 system with our Guardian Hydrogen Diesel System. This collaboration allows us to maximize onboard hydrogen storage while maintaining the flexibility and reliability of the diesel engine. The seamless retrofit of this dual-fuel solution—without altering the truck's wheelbase—meets our customers' demands for extended range and fewer tanks, all while enabling the use of sleeper cabs. This partnership underscores our commitment to driving the energy transition in heavy-duty trucking, setting new standards for sustainability and operational efficiency."
Rebecca Goldsack, COO, Diesel Tech Industries
“Alberta Innovates positions Alberta as a world leader in the innovative production, deployment, and use of hydrogen across our economy. The cryo-compressed hydrogen (CcH2) technology on this truck is an important step forward to broadening the use of hydrogen in the transportation industry and meeting the goals of the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge.”
David Van Den Assem, Director of the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence at Alberta Innovates.
“Verne’s innovative technology and partnership with Diesel Tech Industries is a demonstration of the coordinated and aggressive action taking place in the Edmonton Metro Region to drive hydrogen technology adoption in our commercial transportation sector. This announcement adds to the growing momentum behind the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge and is another important piece to the infrastructure needed to support the transition. Congratulations to Verne and DTI on this exciting milestone.”
Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global
About Verne
Verne was founded in 2020 to develop high-density hydrogen storage solutions required to decarbonize heavy-duty transportation. Verne’s platform unlocks zero-emission operations in sectors including trucking, aviation, port vehicles, mining, and hydrogen distribution. Verne is financially supported by leading commercial entities, including Trucks Venture Capital, Collaborative Fund, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, Next Era Energy Resources, United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund, Caterpillar VC, and Newlab. Verne is also supported by Breakthrough Energy Fellows, the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E, The U.S. Army, Alberta Innovates and other agencies. For more information, visit www.verneh2.com.
Company contact: contact@verneh2.com
About Diesel Tech Industries
Diesel Tech Industries, based in Edmonton, Alberta, is a pioneer in transportation technology, specializing in innovative solutions for the trucking industry. The Guardian Hydrogen Diesel System represents their latest advancement, aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing operational efficiency in diesel vehicles through dual-fuel hydrogen blending technology. For more information about DTI and its initiatives, visit www.dtiguardian.com.
About the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge
We’re designing Canada’s roadmap to a net-zero future — starting in the Edmonton region. The ultimate goal of the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge is to get 5,000 hydrogen or dual-fuel hydrogen vehicles on Western Canada’s roads within five years. This initiative, heralded by Edmonton Global, is bringing together industry leaders and champions from across the entire hydrogen value chain to decarbonize the commercial transportation sector with hydrogen technology. And when we prove it works here, the same model can be used nationwide
Visit 5000hydrogen.ca to learn how you can participate in the Challenge.
What’s the real cost of clean transportation?
Fleet operators and municipal planners across Western Canada are facing mounting pressure to reduce emissions — without compromising on performance or profitability. For many, hydrogen is emerging as a possible solution to decarbonize operations while keeping costs in check.
But what exactly is the cost of switching to hydrogen? To help understand that, the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB (the HUB) now has a free, interactive, web-based total cost of ownership (TCO) calculator. The HUB’s TCO calculator is the only tool of its kind in Canada – openly accessible, adaptable, and built to evolve with the needs of the hydrogen sector.
The tool was developed by Edmonton Global with support from Deloitte, and as a primary funder alongside Natural Resources Canada and Calgary Economic Development. The project is part of a larger push to help Canada, especially Western Canada, advance its clean transportation goals.
What is total cost of ownership?
Understanding the TCO gives vehicle owners a full financial picture of owning and operating a vehicle — factoring in purchase price, fuel costs, maintenance, downtime, and resale value.
TCO reflects all the realities fleet operators consider when making purchases in Western Canada’s commercial transportation sector. An owner's decision to lease or purchase a vehicle, and even expected downtime for maintenance and fueling, contribute to the TCO.
In short, knowing the TCO of a vehicle offers fleet operators a clear, data-backed view of the financial impacts of adopting hydrogen vehicles. The TCO calculator helps fleet owners plan for the future with clear insights into the cost savings and operational benefits – making strategic decisions easier.
Test drive the numbers
Our TCO Calculator lets users compare the lifetime costs of five key vehicle technologies: hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen dual-fuel, battery-electric, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG) — empowering fleet operators to make informed, cost-effective decisions for the long haul.
By default, the tool populates a baseline of typical cost factors in fleet decisions, but it’s fully customizable. This lets fleets test tailored scenarios instead of relying on one-size-fits-all assumptions.
The results are displayed as cost breakdowns by category (capital, fuel, maintenance, etc.) and show projected emissions reductions.
It’s more than a tool — it’s a catalyst for the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge, accelerating Canada’s transition to low-emission transportation. A global tool made for Canadian fleets.
TCO calculators are gaining traction globally as regions explore cleaner, more cost-effective energy alternatives.
Many of these tools, developed in countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States, help fleets evaluate fuel and vehicle technologies based on local policies and incentives. However, they are often built for domestic use, feature complex interfaces, or require technical expertise.
So, what makes it right for Canadian fleets? It’s designed for Canadian roads, Canadian climates, and Canadian costs.
A made-in-Canada solution for policy makers
Hydrogen vehicles, especially for long-haul transport, are being explored in Alberta. Local governments and industry leaders are already investing in hydrogen infrastructure. However, as recent studies have shown, hydrogen fuel cost must fall for trucks to achieve cost parity with diesel. For policymakers, the TCO calculator is a valuable resource for promoting sustainable, economically sound transportation decisions that align with climate goals.
Try It Yourself
Decarbonize your operations with confidence. Try the TCO calculator today to see how hydrogen compares to traditional energy sources.
Verne Achieves Hydrogen Storage Milestone
Originally published on Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA)
Verne successfully demonstrated the world’s first cryo-compressed hydrogen (CcH2) truck in Southern California in late 2024. During the testing, Verne drove the truck hundreds of miles and conducted multiple refueling events with Verne’s novel CcH2 filling equipment. The test validated the density and dormancy benefits of CcH2 and the reliability and durability of the system under real-world operating conditions. These test results confirm the advantages of CcH2 relative to existing hydrogen storage methods, preparing Verne to commercialize the technology in various markets, beginning with hydrogen distribution.
Verne’s breakthrough cryo-compressed hydrogen technology is the most efficient method of storing and distributing hydrogen. CcH2 enables 33% greater hydrogen storage density than liquid hydrogen and 87% greater density than traditional 700 bar compressed hydrogen. Additionally, CcH2 has lower densification costs and experiences less hydrogen boil-off losses relative to liquid hydrogen. Verne estimates that these improvements enable 40% cheaper hydrogen distribution costs relative to existing technologies.
During the demonstration in late 2024, Verne validated both the storage and fueling systems under relevant operating conditions, including operation of the truck on rugged off-road terrain. This is an important step towards commercialization of Verne’s CcH2 technology. Following this successful technical demonstration, Verne will conduct hydrogen distribution pilots with key customers before scaling up to full commercial hydrogen distribution operations.
One early market for hydrogen distribution is replacing diesel generators, delivering hydrogen to operate zero-emission hydrogen-to-power generators. Customers from a variety of sectors are seeking access to clean power and are not currently being served by the grid or by existing hydrogen distribution technologies. The efficiency and low-cost of CcH2 distribution make it feasible to deliver affordable clean energy anywhere without relying on interconnection to the grid. Verne has received interest from customers in construction, warehouses, ports, EV charging and remote events. Beyond commercializing the technology for CcH2 distribution, Verne will pursue onboard storage for Class 8 trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles.
“This demonstration is an important step forward for CcH2 and proves the strong technical foundation we’ve built at Verne,” said Ted McKlveen, Co-founder & CEO of Verne. “Across sectors, decarbonization efforts are being hindered by limited access to clean energy and zero-emission alternatives that meet operational standards. CcH2 can serve these customers and replace fossil fuels in some of the most demanding, most essential sectors of the economy.”
Since its founding in 2020, Verne has made rapid progress to develop and commercialize CcH2. In 2022, Verne initiated a project funded by ARPA-E to develop energy-efficient cryo-compression technology. In 2023, Verne demonstrated a world-record 29 kg storage tank at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, validating the CcH2 storage system in a stationary environment.
Verne has also collaborated with key partners to develop the full technology ecosystem of CcH2, including coupling provider ARTA, cryopump provider Cryostar, refueling hose provider Lifeguard Technologies, and flow meter provider Rheonik. Building on this successful 2024 demonstration, which was supported by Alberta Innovates and Diesel Tech Industries, Verne will progress to pilots with these partners and leading commercial customers in 2025.
About Verne
Verne was founded in 2020 to decarbonize the most demanding sectors of the economy. Verne’s platform unlocks zero-emission operations in sectors including construction, warehouses, ports, EV charging and remote events. Verne is financially supported by leading commercial entities, including Trucks Venture Capital, Collaborative Fund, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, NextEra Energy Resources, United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund, Caterpillar VC, and Newlab. Verne is also supported by Breakthrough Energy Fellows, the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E, The U.S. Army, Alberta Innovates and other organizations. For more information, visit www.verneh2.com.
Company contact: contact@verneh2.com
