On Monday, Rochester, New York-based hydrogen fuel cell EV startup Hyzon Motors announced a significant partnership with Taiwanese industrial conglomerate MiTAC-Synnex. The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles and distribution models for the Taiwan market.
Under terms of the agreement (which is non-binding), Hyzon and MiTAC-Synnex affiliate HwaQi will work to establish a joint operating model delivering a product portfolio, service, and logistics operations tailored to the needs of the Taiwan market. The companies anticipate securing orders from municipalities and private businesses, targeting first commercial shipments in 2022.
Hyzon is expected to supply two fuel cell electric trucks to MiTAC-Synnex next year, in support of the conglomerate’s broader decarbonization efforts. Pending successful deployment of these first trucks and appropriate regulatory frameworks in Taiwan, Hyzon and MiTAC-Synnex anticipate jointly building substantial business volumes for Hyzon FCEVs in Taiwan.
“Partnering with MiTAC-Synnex allows Hyzon to expand its crucial work of decarbonizing heavy transport into Taiwan,” said Craig Knight, Hyzon CEO and Co-Founder. “MiTAC-Synnex’s strong relationships, significant operating footprint, and insight into the market are invaluable as we seek to transition commercial trucking in Taiwan to Hyzon vehicles in the coming years.”
To accelerate the adoption of Hyzon vehicles across Taiwan, the companies are evaluating the option to explore hydrogen production and refueling infrastructure assets and partnerships to provide green hydrogen to Hyzon fleets.
“Over the past 60 years, MiTAC-Synnex has established a track record of success, leading innovation in numerous growth industries. By collaborating with Hyzon, MiTAC-Synnex extends its commitment to reducing emissions and air pollution in Taiwan by addressing one of the biggest contributors,” said Matthew Miau, MiTAC-Synnex Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer. “Bringing Hyzon’s technology together with MiTAC-Synnex’s market experience creates unique access along each step of the hydrogen value chain.”
This announcement follows several recent partnership announcements by Hyzon relating to partnerships, spanning large green hydrogen production, distributed hydrogen hub models and heavy-duty truck deployments in segments of industry that contribute substantially to global emissions. Aided by building tailwinds from pro-hydrogen decarbonization policy frameworks in the European Union, the United States and elsewhere, fuel cell commercial mobility applications are expected to ramp rapidly across the globe.
Last month, Hyzon signed a similar MoU with Japanese sogo shosha business conglomerate ITOCHU Corporation to jointly pursue commercial hydrogen opportunities in the mineral and metal industry.
“Hyzon’s singular focus is decarbonizing heavy mobility,” Hyzon’s Knight said upon making that partnership public. “This requires alignment along all positions of the hydrogen value chain – from production to distribution to offtake.”
