Testing validates, prepares Verne CcH2 truck for commercialization

Verne (San Francisco, Calif., U.S.) successfully demonstrated its first cryo-compressed hydrogen (CcH₂) truck in southern California in late 2024. During the testing, Verne drove the truck hundreds of miles and conducted multiple refueling events with Verne’s filling equipment. The test validated the density and dormancy benefits of CcH₂, as well as the reliability and durability of the system under real-world operating conditions relative to existing hydrogen (H₂) storage methods, preparing Verne to commercialize the technology in various markets, beginning with hydrogen distribution.

Verne’s composite CcH₂ technology is highly efficient at storing and distributing hydrogen — the company reports 33% greater H₂ storage density than liquid hydrogen (LH₂) and 87% greater density than traditional 700-bar compressed H₂. Additionally, CcH₂ offers lower densification costs and experiences less H₂ boil-off losses relative to LH₂. Verne estimates that these improvements enable 40% cheaper H₂ distribution costs relative to existing technologies.

During the demonstration in late 2024, Verne validated the storage and fueling systems under relevant operating conditions, including operation of the truck on rugged off-road terrain. This is an important step toward commercialization of Verne’s technology. Following the technical demonstration, Verne says it will conduct H₂ distribution pilots with key customers before scaling up to full commercial H₂ distribution operations.

One early market for H₂ distribution is replacing diesel generators. Verne reports that customers from a variety of sectors are seeking access to clean power and are not currently being served by the grid or by existing H₂ distribution technologies. The efficiency and low-cost of CcH₂ distribution make it feasible to deliver affordable clean energy without relying on interconnection to the grid. Verne has received interest from customers in construction, warehouses, ports, EV charging and remote events. Beyond commercializing the technology for CcH₂ distribution, Verne will pursue onboard storage for Class 8 trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles.

“This demonstration is an important step forward for CcH2 and proves the strong technical foundation we’ve built at Verne,” said Ted McKlveen, Co-founder & CEO of Verne. “Across sectors, decarbonization efforts are being hindered by limited access to clean energy and zero-emission alternatives that meet operational standards. CcH2 can serve these customers and replace fossil fuels in some of the most demanding, most essential sectors of the economy.”

Since its founding in 2020, Verne reports rapid progress to develop and commercialize CcH₂. In 2022, Verne initiated a project funded by ARPA-E to develop energy-efficient cryo-compression technology. In 2023, Verne demonstrated a 29-kilogram storage tank at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, validating the CcH₂ storage system in a stationary environment.

Verne has also collaborated with key partners to develop the full technology ecosystem of CcH₂, including coupling provider ARTA, cryopump provider Cryostar, refueling hose provider Lifeguard Technologies and flow meter provider Rheonik. Building on this successful 2024 demonstration, which was supported by Alberta Innovates and Diesel Tech Industries, Verne will progress to pilots with these partners and commercial customers in 2025.