Zoomi Life

Back in April, we reported that Vision Industries (Vision Motor Corp) had completed second-stage load testing with their Tyrano trucks for Los Angeles Freightliner.  The Tyrano is a hydrogen fuel-cell powered truck whose current incarnation is as a day cab (daily delivery) Class 8 (80,000 GVW) truck.  On Monday, Vision announced that they had signed a deal with LA Freightliner to distribute the Tyrano.

This means that Los Angeles Freightliner (a dealer of Freightliner trucks) will be the first authorized dealer for the Tyrano fuel-cell big rigs.  Vision expects to begin production as early as year’s end or early 2010.

LA Freightliner is no newbie when it comes to alternative-fuel trucks and were responsible for the largest single deployment of LNG trucks in the nation. The Vision Tyrano will be initially used as a port drayage and short-haul delivery truck.  Unlike the Balqon drayage truck, it is licensed for unlimited road use, so it will be able to carry loaded trailers over city roads and highways for Southern California deliveries.

Pretty cool!

Here’s some specs on the production Tyrano:

• Carries 33kg gaseous hydrogen
• 340 mile estimated range
• 402hp
• 3,200lb-ft torque

Most conventional diesel combustion trucks have engines with 425-475hp, but much less torque than the Tyrano.  They also only have maximum torque through a relatively small RPM range (usually a 400-800rpm window), whereas the Tyrano has maximum torque from 0rpms.

Source: Vision Motors