An Australian-founded company has brought a distinct Australian touch to the emerging market of hydrogen vehicles. H2X recently showcased a hydrogen-powered pickup truck, known as a ute, at a global hydrogen industry event in Rotterdam. The company’s stall attracted a constant stream of interested visitors who admired the converted Ford Ranger featuring a hydrogen motor.
H2X’s co-founder, Chris Reitz, explained that the decision to make it a four-wheel drive vehicle generated more response than anticipated. The hydrogen-powered vehicle, called the Warrego, can reach a top speed of 130 kilometers per hour and has a range of approximately 500 kilometers. The fuel tank, made of woven carbon fiber, holds 4.8 kilograms of hydrogen.
However, a challenge arises when it comes to refueling the tank. Given the lack of a widespread network of hydrogen refueling stations globally, H2X focuses its pitch on professional fleet owners who have their own refueling facilities. Reitz views this as an advantage since it allows H2X to build scale while waiting for countries to establish a comprehensive hydrogen refueling infrastructure. By targeting professional drivers and fleets, H2X believes it can overcome the chicken-and-egg problem of vehicle adoption and refueling infrastructure development.
Reitz highlights that large vehicle manufacturing companies, known as OEMs, would require a national or even continental infrastructure of filling stations to break even on a new product launch. H2X, on the other hand, can fulfill smaller orders, such as an 800-vehicle order, allowing them to deliver to specific market segments.
Hydrogen appeals to bus and truck fleet owners due to faster refueling times, which are crucial for vehicles that operate up to 24 hours a day. Recharging batteries takes significantly longer, potentially necessitating the need for twice as many vehicles to account for those undergoing charging.
Initially, H2X plans to integrate its hydrogen power trains into existing vehicle models, such as the Ford Ranger displayed in Rotterdam. However, the company does not anticipate mass production of its Warrego ute. Reitz refers to it as more of a calling card, highlighting limited production and the vehicle’s purpose as a demonstrator product. H2X aims to use it as a test for the production of a 3.5-tonne van called the Darling.
The company is focused on manufacturing its vehicles with lower carbon intensity. It is exploring innovative techniques, such as creating a chassis in an origami-style rather than using energy-intensive stamping facilities. Van prototypes are being developed in Germany and the Netherlands, with potential production starting at a first factory as early as 2026, targeting up to 70,000 vehicles annually.
H2X also operates a plant in Sweden, where it installs hydrogen engines into the chassis of 18-tonne and 26-tonne trucks for clients in the region. The company plans to produce vehicles at small plants located in countries with sufficient demand, rather than shipping them worldwide. Its target markets include northwestern Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
H2X was established in 2020 by Australian co-founders Chris Reitz and CEO Brendan Norman. Initially, the plan was to manufacture cars in Port Kembla, New South Wales, for both retail and industrial markets. However, the focus has shifted to a step-by-step strategy involving professional fleets in Europe due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While observing the hydrogen-powered ute at the event, one can’t help but sense that the vision of everyday drivers choosing hydrogen vehicles is becoming more attainable. Reitz cautiously agrees, comparing the hydrogen versus battery technology competition to the diesel versus gasoline scenario, emphasizing that diversity is beneficial for any market.
For the latest retailer news and information, check out the ServoPro website or to speak to us on how we can help your business contact us.