​​​Verne unveils world-first cryo-compressed hydrogen heavy-duty truck

Trois-Rivières, October 1, 2025, PRESS RELEASE – Valléede la Transition Énergétique (VTE), today announced the official launch of the Pan-Canadian Alliance of Hydrogen Hubs, in collaboration with three national partners: Simon Fraser University's Clean Hydrogen Hub (British Columbia), the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (Newfoundland and Labrador), and the Edmonton Regional Hydrogen Hub (Alberta).

This strategic alliance marks a major milestone forCanada in the development of a clean hydrogen ecosystem that isdriving the transition to a net-zero economy. By joining forces withcomplementary regional hubs, the alliance aims to stimulate investment,support technological innovation, foster workforce training, andensure long-term energy security and sustainability.

"VTE is proud to play a leading role in thispan-Canadian initiative. Hydrogen is an essential lever for decarbonization,and this national collaboration allows us to showcase Québec's expertise whilestrengthening our leadership in the clean-energy sector," said AlainLemieux, Executive Director of VTE.

The four partners have signed a Memorandum ofUnderstanding formalizing their commitment to work together on commongoals, including:

·        Support for the development of hydrogen-relatedprojects in each region.

·        Promotion and commercialization of Canadianhydrogen technologies.

·        Collaboration on training, education andcommunity outreach.

·        Sharing knowledge and best practices at thetechnical, economic and financial levels.

A partnership rooted in action and innovation

Launched in a context where the federal government isfocusing on clean energy nation-building projects, including major initiativesin wind and hydrogen, the Pan-Canadian Alliance of Hydrogen Hubs is part of anambitious vision of a Canada as a world leader in sustainable energy.

Green hydrogen, produced by electrolysis from water andrenewable electricity, is a clean and versatile energy solution, withapplications in transport, heavy industry and the production of synthetic fuelssuch as methanol or ammonia.

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International reach already underway

In 2025, alliance partners participated in a TransatlanticHydrogen Hubs Dialogue to strengthen collaboration between Canada and Germanyon hydrogen infrastructure development. This initiative also supports the Canada–GermanyHydrogen Alliance, backed by Natural Resources Canada, and paves the way fortransatlantic hydrogen hubs.

VTE intends to play a central role in positioning Québec –and Canada – as a leader in the hydrogen economy on a global scale.

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Quotes:

"VTE is proud to play a leading role in this pan-Canadian initiative. Hydrogen is a key lever for decarbonization, and this national collaboration showcases Québec's expertise while strengthening our leadership in the clean-energy sector."

Alain Lemieux, CEO, Vallée de la Transition Énergétique (VTE)

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"Hydrogen represents a transformative opportunity for Canada to decarbonize its economy — from production to end-use. Hydrogen hubs are at the forefront of this transition, catalyzing innovation and accelerating adoption. As Canada's first hydrogen hub, the Edmonton region understands the importance of collaboration. By working together, sharing our approaches, and building the necessary infrastructure and workforce, hubs across the country can help Canada realize the full potential of hydrogen to achieve a clean energy future."

Brent Lakeman, Executive Director, Edmonton Hydrogen Hub.

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"Simon Fraser University is excited to be part of the Pan-Canadian Alliance of Hydrogen Hubs, a critical collaboration that will advance Canada's leadership in clean hydrogen technologies."

Dugan O'Neil, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Simon Fraser University

"Canada is poised to become a global leader in clean-hydrogen technology, and Newfoundland and Labrador will play a pivotal role in transatlantic production and trade with Europe. On behalf of the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (HyIP), we are proud to join the Pan-Canadian Alliance of Hydrogen Hubs to help our country realize its full potential."

Laura Barron, CEO, econext's.

"Through industry-academia collaborations, innovation and the strength of the regions, we will build a connected, resilient and inclusive hydrogen economy in Canada together."

Prof. Dr. Bruno G. Pollet, Canada Research Chair in CleanHydrogen.

About Valléede la Transition Énergétique (VTE)

Based in Bécancour, at the heart of a dynamic industrialecosystem, the VTE aims to accelerate the development, implementation andcommercialization of clean technologies, particularly in the green hydrogen,industrial decarbonization and energy storage sectors. VTE acts as a catalystfor innovation, collaboration and investment to support the transition to anet-zero economy.

About the Clean Hydrogen Hub at Simon Fraser University(CHH)

CHH is a leading research centre at Simon Fraser University that brings together partners from industry, community, academia and government to reduce the costs of producing clean hydrogen and jointly develop technologies and products.

About the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (HyIP)

HyIP is a unique collaboration between research institutes, industry, and Indigenous groups working to advance clean energy research, development, and innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador.

About the Edmonton Regional Hydrogen Hub (the HUB)

The Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub is a collaborative initiative dedicated to promoting a thriving hydrogen economy in the Edmonton region and beyond. Bringing together municipalities, industry, and associations, the HUB focuses on building a strong hydrogen value chain through collaboration, systems integration and policy advocacy. Leveraging the region's world-class hydrogen production facilities and strategic infrastructure, the HUB drives innovation, promotes decarbonization, and drives economic growth, positioning the Edmonton region as a global leader in hydrogen sustainability.

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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.  

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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