The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) announced that it will lead Transport Canada’s Zero Emission Truck Testbed (ZETT) project. The ZETT project is a real-world pilot of emerging zero emission trucking technologies, evaluating heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles, hydrogen fueling, and charging technology in Canadian operations.

ZETT will include real-world testing consisting of four fleet operators and carriers – Sutco, Bison Transport, Trimac Transportation, and Arrow Transport – carrying different loads, with different driver profiles, routes, and geographic conditions during each of the four seasons. The trial is an opportunity to test both Class 8 heavy-duty battery electric (BEV) and hydrogen fuel-cell-electric vehicles (FCEV) on two distinct routes in Alberta and British Columbia, according to a news release.

“Insights gained from this project will contribute to the development of fleets’ heavy-duty transportation investment decisions, as industry gains better knowledge of the capabilities, costs and limitations of these new technologies” said Robert Harper, AMTA president. 

Medium and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) account for approximately 27% of total transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions in the country. Canada’s Emissions Plan includes a commitment that 35% of new MHDVs sold by manufacturers must be zero-emissions vehicles by 2035, and that 100% of all new MHDVs sales are to be zero-emissions by 2040. Adoption of zero emission vehicles will be a key factor in achieving emission reduction goals.

“Reducing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles is vital for a cleaner transportation sector and a key piece of Canada’s Emissions Reduction Plan. The ZETT pilot project in Alberta and British Columbia will help map a path forward to cut greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable commercial transport solutions nationwide,” said Pablo Rodriguez, minister of transport.  

Technical training sessions

Technical training sessions will be provided to participants interacting with the vehicles, including drivers, mechanics, tow truck drivers, and first responders, to support regulatory and permitting bodies to advance the growing commercial ecosystem.

Deloitte Canada will oversee stakeholder relations and the development, implementation, and performance reporting of the ZETT project. Data captured on the performance and cost effectiveness of zero-emission trucks in commercial freight operations will provide the transportation sector insights to support large-scale market adoption and help reduce emissions across the economy.

Through previous real-world trials, AMTA has operated FCEVs and BEVs with over 32 of the association’s carrier members.