Toll Group: Ballard hydrogen truck range and specs

September 26, 2026

Ballard Power Systems Canada

Overview

Toll Group, a leading freight and logistics company, has introduced two Ballard-powered hydrogen fuel cell prime mover trucks, “Taurus tractors,” in Australia. These zero-emission vehicles will transport steel from BlueScope facilities to Geelong on an approximately 180km round trip, capable of hauling a gross combined weight of 44 tons. They boast a range of approximately 300km on a single refueling, with a rapid refueling time of just 20 minutes, demonstrating high practical utility.

In Depth

Key Findings

Toll Group, a prominent freight and logistics company in Australia, has initiated operations for two hydrogen fuel cell prime mover trucks, “Taurus tractors,” equipped with Ballard fuel cells. These zero-emission vehicles demonstrate exceptional practicality, capable of hauling a gross combined weight of 44 tons over a range of approximately 300km on a single refueling, with a rapid refueling time of just 20 minutes.

Technical / Clinical Details

The Ballard fuel cells integrated into the Taurus tractors generate electricity by reacting hydrogen with oxygen from the air, releasing only water as an emission. This system significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to diesel trucks, achieving zero-emission transport. The trucks are deployed for transporting steel from BlueScope facilities to Geelong, covering an approximate 180km round trip. Their operational capability to carry a gross combined weight of 44 tons is comparable to conventional heavy-duty freight, proving the viability of fuel cell trucks in demanding commercial environments. The 300km range provides ample coverage for regional logistics networks, and the quick 20-minute refueling time is a decisive advantage for maintaining operational efficiency in long-haul transport.

Background & Context

While supporting global supply chains, the logistics industry faces significant pressure to decarbonize due to high fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Heavy-duty trucks, in particular, present challenges for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) regarding range and charging time, making hydrogen fuel cells a compelling alternative. The commencement of demonstration operations by a major logistics player like Toll Group, in collaboration with a fuel cell technology leader like Ballard, marks a crucial step towards the commercialization of hydrogen trucks. Australia, with its abundant renewable energy resources, holds high potential for green hydrogen production, and the development of a hydrogen fuel supply chain is anticipated.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

Toll Group’s adoption of hydrogen fuel cell prime mover trucks is expected to serve as a model for accelerating decarbonization within the logistics industry in Australia and globally. The data gathered from this demonstration project will contribute to further performance enhancements, cost reductions, and optimization of hydrogen supply infrastructure for fuel cell trucks. As the hydrogen refueling station network expands and hydrogen production costs decrease, the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell trucks is expected to accelerate further, contributing to the overall sustainability of the logistics sector. This initiative holds significant implications for establishing the role of hydrogen energy in heavy industry and long-haul transportation.

Source: https://blog.ballard.com/truck/toll-launches-hydrogen-prime-mover-trucks-powered-by-ballard

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