Toronto-based Elemental Trucks says it has completed development of what it describes as Canada’s first commercially available 63.5-tonne hydrogen fuel-cell-electric truck, positioning the company to enter the heavy-haul, long-distance segment of the zero-emission market.

The Ontario-built prototype was developed with support from the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), alongside industry contributions, as part of a nearly $2.5-million project launched in March 2024. The initiative focused on designing and validating a hydrogen-electric chassis engineered for a 63.5-tonne gross combination weight rating (GCWR). Such heavy weights are difficult to electrify with batteries, the company says, making hydrogen fuel cells an ideal alternative.

Developed in partnership with hydrogen producer and infrastructure provider HTEC, the truck integrates advanced fuel cell powertrain technology, high-pressure hydrogen storage, and supporting vehicle systems. Elemental says the platform is designed to deliver up to 800 km (497 mile) of range with 700-bar fueling capability, targeting long-haul applications where battery-electric trucks can face payload and charging-time constraints.

“This major achievement opens the door for the launch of our production program to address long-haul trucking, one of the toughest sectors to decarbonize,” said Jamie Ally, CEO of Elemental Trucks, in a release. “Fleet operators are now evaluating this truck for real operations, and we are preparing to deliver units wherever hydrogen fuel is available.”

Elemental says the prototype has completed validation and testing work in Ontario and is now moving toward commercial production. Initial deployments are expected in regions where hydrogen refueling infrastructure is in place.

Founded in 2022, the company specializes in hydrogen fuel cell electric heavy-duty vehicles for highway and vocational applications and operates out of Toronto, with additional teams in Montreal and Charlottetown.