McCulla Transport plans for HVS hydrogen trial

The ambient, chilled, and frozen logistics specialist, McCulla Transport will trial a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) from Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS). As part of the company’s goal to achieve net zero by 2050, the FCEV trial will help McCulla identify which areas of the business are well suited to hydrogen trucks. Trials with HVS FCEV trucks will begin from late 2025. 

Ashley McCulla, managing director at McCulla, said: “Our second-generation, family-owned business has shown great resilience, adaptability, and innovation since we established our company over 50 years’ ago. Our investment in sustainable transport solutions is testament to this as we explore all technologies available to provide greener fleet options for our customers. We are excited to be working with HVS here in Ireland to experience the benefits that hydrogen fuel cell technology can bring to our heavy goods operations for the long term.” 

McCulla runs a fleet of more than 200 commercial vehicles, some of which are powered by bio-methane produced on site from food waste. Its anaerobic digester plant is also used to power coldstores. The byproduct of the process is used as fertiliser for local farms. 

John McLeister, chief commercial officer for HVS, said: “As a market leader, McCulla understands the importance of investing in new technologies, and we are delighted to be working with Ashley and his team to help bring our revolutionary zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell trucks onto their fleet. 

“We are providing a full end-to-end solution that includes not just the truck but support with the hydrogen infrastructure that will be critical to a successful hydrogen ecosystem. With the recent policy announcement by the Ireland Government to provide support for fleet operators via the zero emission heavy duty vehicle purchase grant,  we are confident that we can accelerate the hydrogen economy, helping operators to transition to net zero and create a greener, cleaner future for generations to come.”