Five hydrogen Hyundai Nexos join Queensland Government fleet

The Queensland Government vehicle fleet has been bolstered by the addition of five new vehicles from Hyundai, with the northern state becoming the second to include hydrogen in its line-up.

Five Hyundai Nexo hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles will join the Queensland fleet, joining the 20 which are a part of the Australian Capital Territory's Government set, becoming the first hydrogen vehicles to be used by a government in Australia back in March.

Wrapped in an Indigenous-inspired livery which features the Brisbane River and a hydrogen nucleus, the Nexo's debut in Queensland comes shortly after the opening of the first hydrogen filling station in the Sunshine State, based in the eastern suburb of Redland Bay.

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Hyundai Australia's CEO, Jun Heo, said he was proud to be partnering with the Queensland Government to introduce hydrogen vehicles.

“We congratulate the Queensland Government for its vision and advanced policy as the state moves toward a zero-emissions future with hydrogen as a key component,” said Heo.

“The zero-emissions Nexo is a cornerstone in our green vehicle line-up, and joins hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric models to underscore our leadership in eco-mobility and our commitment to developing sustainable motoring solutions.”

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Queensland's Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni, said the lease of the Nexos will allow the Government to assess future viability of hydrogen vehicles in the state, while also reducing emissions.

“This trial aims to accelerate the uptake of hydrogen technology and support Queensland’s push to position itself as a global hydrogen superpower,” Minister de Brenni said.

“It will demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of hydrogen for passenger vehicles and possibly lead the way for hydrogen’s roll-out to trucks, trains and marine applications.

“These head-turning fuel-cell electric vehicles will be fuelled with home-grown Queensland hydrogen as they are tested in on-road conditions over the next three years.

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20 Nexos were added to the ACT Government fleet in March

“Leasing them as part of our trial of fuel-cell electric vehicle technology highlights the fact that QFleet – the government’s fleet manager – continues to drive Queensland’s transition to cleaner and greener transport options.

“This, in turn, helps grow our local hydrogen supply chain and that means more jobs for Queenslanders in this emerging sector.

“It means jobs sourcing raw materials for clean production and manufacturing state-of-the-art technology, right through to exporting this green energy to an increasingly hydrogen-hungry world market.”

The Nexo is currently on sale in Australia but only under loan from Hyundai, with the South Korean manufacturer offering it under an all-inclusive loan programme, covering service and maintenance.