Savage and Symbio collaborate for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

The collaboration between Symbio and Savage marks a milestone in the decarbonisation of the drayage sector with the introduction of a fully developed end-to-end hydrogen fuel cell powertrain solution, engineered by Symbio for seamless integration into Savage’s trucks.

This hydrogen powertrain solution relies on two key components to meet the performance demands of the drayage market. To support this, Symbio has partnered with one of its shareholders, a provider of hydrogen storage, FORVIA.

Symbio’s multi-system fuel cell delivers a combined power output of 300 kW. Its compact and modular design features multiple StackPack^TM 75 kW units, that enhance both integration and space efficiency. Combined with FORVIA’s hydrogen 70MPa XL-Tanks which provides maximised storage capacity of 34 kg of hydrogen, it delivers a comprehensive solution that supports full-shift operation without the need for refuelling. The entire hydrogen powertrain maintains a lightweight and compact design adapted to every truck chassis offering a zero emission alternative to diesel powertrains without compromising on payload capacity.

Beyond payload and storage performance, the solution delivers operational benefits comparable to diesel trucks: rapid and safe hydrogen refuelling in under 15 minutes, which enables 24/7 fleet operation with back-to-back shifts with maximised efficiency and uptime. Additionally, the lower maintenance requirements of hydrogen fuel cell powertrains further reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO).

Key areas of collaboration:

• Fleet transition and expansion: development of a 4 × 2 fuel cell vehicle driveline prototype, based on a Mack Anthem chassis. This sets the stage for broader fleet decarbonisation and supports the transition of Savage’s approximately 80 California-based trucks to zero emission vehicles.
• Technology development and deployment: advance Symbio’s end-to-end hydrogen fuel cell driveline solutions to enable active integration into vehicles operated by Savage.
• Developing affordable technology for hydrogen market scale up: providing a low TCO solution thanks to optimised hydrogen fuel cell driveline solution and lower maintenance requirements.
• Operational data sharing: Savage will provide valuable performance feedback to optimise Symbio’s vehicle solutions, ensuring efficiency and reliability in real-world operations.

Savage drives sustainable transportation through major infrastructure investments and a growing zero emission vehicle fleet. This partnership will provide opportunities to evaluate further adoption of fuel cell zero emission vehicles across its fleet.

“We are excited about the impact this new technology will have on the industry and are proud to be one of its early adopters,” said Tyler Flynn, Senior Director of Projects at Savage. “Partnering with Symbio allows us to continue taking steps to make our fleet more sustainable while ensuring it remains efficient.”

Symbio, through its supply of fuel cell systems for OEMs, is strongly committed to deploying zero emission mobility. Operating from its facility in Temecula, California, US, Symbio is repowering commercial vehicles as part of its North American offering, enabling fleet operators access to hydrogen fuel cell solutions.

“We are proud to partner with Savage in accelerating the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Our collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to zero emission transportation and will serve as a model for fleets transitioning to hydrogen with competitive fuel cell solutions,” said Rick Breunesse, Business Development Director at Symbio North America.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/07052025/savage-and-symbio-collaborate-for-hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicles/