MEDIA RELEASE: Velocity Truck Centres unveils Alberta's first hydrogen/CNG service bay

EDMONTON, AB [June 6, 2024] – Today, Velocity Truck Centres (VTC) announced the grand opening of itsstate-of-the-art Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Hydrogen Service Bay at its South Edmonton service location. The opening of this facility represents a significant milestone for the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge as it will provide some of the supporting infrastructure needed in meeting the Challenge’s goal of getting 5,000 hydrogen or dual-fuel vehicles on the road in Western Canada in five years.

A first-of-its-kind for Alberta,the new facility will provide safe and efficient repairs, for CNG and hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks.  VTC plans to expand this capacity across its current network of 18 stations located across Western Canada.

Through partnerships with Lakeland College and NAIT, the facility will also act as a training centre for technicians looking to expand their skill set to include servicing hydrogen and vehicles.

Quotes:

“Herein Edmonton and our region, we’re seizing these opportunities and leading a new era of energy and sustainable job growth. Low-carbon hydrogen provides Edmonton with an avenue to support energy transition and reduce our carbon footprint,and projects like this contribute to the development of our robust hydrogen economy.” — Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, City of Edmonton

"Our new CNG/hydrogen service bay represents VTC’s commitment to advancing sustainability in the transportation industry. We’re proud to offer cutting-edge technology and expert care for CNG and hydrogen vehicles, setting a new standard for truck servicing in Alberta. In alignment with our groundbreaking initiative, we are proud to support the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge, spearheaded by Edmonton Global. This initiative is poised to position the Edmonton region and Alberta as leaders in the global transition to hydrogen. By achieving the goal of getting the first5,000 hydrogen or dual-fuel vehicles on the road in Western Canada within five years, we will demonstrate the viability of hydrogen technologies here first,before expanding across the country." — Rod Graham, President of Velocity Truck Centres Canada

“Velocity’s new hydrogen/CNG service bay is another major step forward for the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge.Forward-thinking investments, like this one, provide a tangible example of how the Edmonton region’s hydrogen ecosystem is removing barriers to decarbonization by providing the essential infrastructure, services, and expertise needed to support this transition. Canada’s path to net-zero runs through the Edmonton region. Congratulations to Velocity on this milestone achievement.” — Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global

"Velocity Truck Centres is modelling the way by repositioning its facility to accommodate cleaner fuels such as hydrogen, CNGand innovative technologies. This future-focused approach is laudable, and NAITis excited to come alongside the industry in this transformational journey.” —Dr. Agatha Ojimelukwe, Acting Director of Applied Research, NAIT

About Velocity Truck Centres:

With 18 locations across Alberta and British Columbia, Velocity Truck Centres provides unparalleled support by offering various sales, vehicle maintenance, parts, collision, and financing services. The Velocity Vehicle Group has over 100 branches globally spanning the USA, Canada, Mexico and Australia.  Visit www.firsttruck.ca for more information.

About the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge:

We’re designing Canada’s roadmap to a net-zero future — starting in the Edmonton region. The ultimate goal of the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge is to get5,000 hydrogen or dual-fuel hydrogen vehicles on Western Canada’s roads within five years. This initiative, heralded by Edmonton Global, is bringing together industry leaders and champions from across the entire hydrogen value chain to decarbonize the commercial transportation sector with hydrogen technology. Once we prove it works here, the same model can be used nationwide. Visit 5000hydrogen.ca to stay up to date and learn how you can participate in the Challenge.  

For media inquiries please contact:

Kim Marin

E: kmarin@vvgtruck.ca  

T: 780.292.5972