HTEC has announced the opening of Canada's first 700 bar commercial heavy-duty clean hydrogen refueling station, located on Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) industrial lands at the Chevron Commercial Cardlock in Tsawwassen, British Columbia. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the deployment of hydrogen-powered trucks in one of Canada's most challenging sectors to decarbonize.
Key Milestone for Hydrogen Trucking
The station will enable an initial deployment of 12 Class 7 and 8 fuel cell electric trucks, funded through the B.C. Hydrogen Truck Pilot Project and the B.C. Hydrogen Ports Project. These vehicles will operate in drayage and regional freight routes, helping integrate hydrogen into day-to-day fleet operations while reinforcing the continued build-out of HTEC's Metro Vancouver Hydrogen Transportation Hub.
Part of the H2 Gateway Program
Delivered as part of the broader H2 Gateway Program, the hub demonstrates that hydrogen infrastructure in British Columbia is ready to support fleet deployment and real-world transportation activity. It brings together production, distribution, and end use, including HTEC's 1.8-tonne-per-day clean hydrogen production facility in Burnaby, a light-duty hydrogen refueling network, and now commercial heavy-duty refueling capability in Tsawwassen.
Collaboration and Support
The Tsawwassen Heavy-Duty Hydrogen Station was made possible through the support of key partners, including landowner Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN), cardlock owner Sunoco LP, financing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), and funding from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the Government of British Columbia through its low-carbon fuel program and the Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund. Collaboration with TFN throughout siting, permitting, and development reflects a shared commitment to responsible development and environmental stewardship, with artwork by local TFN artists giving a sense of place.
Industry Contributions
HTEC also recognizes contributions across the hydrogen value chain, including station equipment provider Powertech Labs, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and vehicle integration partners such as Hyundai Motor Company, Unilia, and Elemental Trucks. While these organizations span jurisdictions, the project is rooted in British Columbia, where the hydrogen is produced and used, supporting local business activity and helping advance B.C.-developed expertise and innovation.
Early Fleet Participation
The project is further strengthened by early fleet participation, with particular recognition to Harbour Link Container Services (B.C. Hydrogen Ports Project) and Triple Eight Transport (B.C. Hydrogen Truck Pilot Project), who will be the first to lease and operate two Hyundai Motor's XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks using this station.
Quotes
Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Laura Cassidy: "This project reflects what is possible when economic development is done in a way that respects the land and our shared future. At Tsawwassen First Nation, we have always believed that growth does not have to come at the expense of environmental stewardship. Our Treaty was the first step in making opportunities like this possible – giving us the tools to plan, manage, and develop our lands in a way that benefits both our community and the region as a whole. Today, we are proud to see these industrial lands supporting innovation in clean energy, creating opportunities, and contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone."
