Verne, a San Francisco startup, has received substantial funding from private investors to develop a cheaper and lighter tank and fueling system for hydrogen semis. The goal is to help these vehicles match the driving range and hauling ability of traditional diesel trucks, making emission-free trucking a more attractive option. The company’s CEO, Ted McKlveen, revealed that the new round of funding brings the total investment in the company to $15.5 million, with backers including Trucks Venture Capital, Collaborative Fund, Amazon, United Airlines, and Newlab.
The company’s patented hydrogen tank and lower pressure fueling system have been verified in testing with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. These innovations will allow trucks to go as far as diesel models, with no added weight, and fuel up just as fast. Verne is now looking to test their technology with major truck manufacturers to achieve diesel parity performance. The ultimate goal is to have trucks equipped with their system achieve an 800-plus mile range and carry a full payload, just like diesel trucks.
As the industry moves towards reducing emissions and greenhouse gases, truck manufacturers are increasingly rolling out battery- and hydrogen-powered heavy-duty models. The Environmental Protection Agency recently unveiled new rules requiring cleaner heavy commercial trucks and buses starting in 2027 as part of broader efforts to curb carbon emissions. While electric trucks are a step in the right direction, they are costlier than diesel models and have limitations such as heavier battery packs and longer recharging times.
Hydrogen vehicles, on the other hand, offer a promising alternative as they are not as heavy as battery-powered trucks and can be fueled in a similar amount of time to diesel trucks. Verne’s approach to hydrogen storage involves chilling the gas and storing it at a lower compression rate, which reduces the amount of carbon fiber required in the tanks and makes them cheaper to produce. The company has been testing its tanks in a passenger vehicle and plans to use them in a full-size truck by the end of the year. In 2025, they will supply tanks for testing by truck fleet operators.
Verne’s long-term goal is to scale up their operations and become a tier-one supplier for the industry, similar to a battery manufacturer for heavy-duty applications. They aim to supply multiple truckmakers with their innovative hydrogen tank and fueling system to help drive the transition towards emission-free trucking. With the backing of significant investors and promising test results, Verne is poised to make a significant impact on the trucking industry and contribute to efforts to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
