Fontaine Modification leads consortium to develop clean delivery trucks

In Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 28, 2025, Fontaine Modification announced its leadership role in a consortium aiming to create a Class 6 fuel-cell-electric truck designed for middle-mile delivery logistics. The consortium includes Ballard Power Systems, which will provide the fuel cell system, Forsee Power, supplying the high-voltage battery system, and Linamar Corporation. Treatment of these vehicles is crucial for the growing demand for cleaner commercial mobility solutions. Fontaine Modification, acting as the vehicle and systems integrator, will assemble the fuel-cell-electric vehicle (FCEV) on a 26,000-pound Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) straight truck chassis at its modification center in Charlotte. The first pilot unit will undergo independent track testing before its deployment with a major U.S. commercial fleet for a six-month phase of operation along regular routes. David Brosky, Fontaine Modification’s director of sales and business development in eMobility, expressed enthusiasm about leading this collaboration, emphasizing the commitment of all involved partners to provide environmentally friendly options for freight transportation. The consortium aims to demonstrate the viability and efficiency of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the commercial vehicle sector. Ballard Power Systems will showcase its latest fuel cell innovation, FCmove®-XD, emphasizing its readiness for the North American market. Additionally, Forsee Power's Jeremy Hiler pointed out the importance of battery systems in fuel-cell-electric vehicles, highlighting the necessity for technology that accommodates both highway power peaks and local delivery challenges, while optimizing cost for operators. In discussions about the truck's capabilities, the benefits for fleets and drivers were underlined, including energy recapture through regenerative braking, which increases overall truck efficiency. Furthermore, this technology leads to lower maintenance costs and enhances component durability, pivotal for lengthy operational routes typical of the middle-mile segment, which often spans between 300 to 500 miles across states and regions. This pilot program is set to demonstrate significant advancements in sustainable transportation solutions and reflects a growing industry trend toward integrating clean energy alternatives into logistics and delivery services.