Uk Firm Unveils 40-Tonne Hydrogen Electric Truck With 600km Range

The HVS vehicle powertrain uses a fuel cell system and an energy storage system to deploy electricity to an electric motor, which then transmits power to the wheels. It employs the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) to recover energy while braking and slowing down the truck.

The company's goal of being the first indigenous UK-designed and manufactured hydrogen-electric HGV on the market is underscored by the demonstration of its game-changing hydrogen powertrain in the shape of a 40-tonne HGV technology demonstrator. Hydrogen is the ideal fuel for the transportation industry, providing great ranges and quick refuelling thanks to stations that can be easily incorporated into existing essential transportation networks.

The Glasgow-based company, which focuses on zero-emission hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles from the ground up, has a clear road to market. The service station and grocery company EG Group is a strategic investment partner of HVS and provides funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Innovate UK, Scottish Enterprise, and Energy Technology Partnership along with infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling, a fleet customer base, and the potential for global scalability.

"We are delighted to reveal our 40-tonne HGV," stated Jawad Khursheed, CEO of HVS.

This technology demonstration highlights of innovative hydrogen-electric commercial vehicle design and advanced powertrain technologies. The zero-emission trucks are an important part of the logistics sector's decarbonization.

Ground-up design improvements

The hydrogen engine, which will incorporate fuel cells, an energy storage system, and an electrified back axle, will be the centre of the construction of HVS tractor units, which will be mounted on a brand-new, internally developed chassis.

According to HVS, the innovative ground-up design provides gains in packaging, performance, efficiency, weight, range, consumption, maintenance, and lifecycle. The unusual design of the technology demonstrator allows for dramatically improved aerodynamics when compared to standard Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) trucks.

As a result, long-distance fuel efficiency is increased, as are space ergonomics within the cab, including greater access and more area at the controls, as well as aesthetics.

A Fuel Cell Stack

The HVS vehicle powertrain deploys electricity to an electric motor, which then distributes power to the wheels, via a fuel cell system and an energy storage system. It employs the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) to recover energy while braking and slowing down the truck.

HVS' innovative control system 'SEMAS,' which monitors interactions between drivers and control systems, controls the integrated powertrain, giving class-leading fuel efficiency and durability.

The fuel cell allows for greater range, larger load carrying capacity, and faster refuelling than battery-electric technology alone: normal refuelLing time is comparable to diesel, around 20 minutes to replenish the high-pressure hydrogen tanks. Hydrogen fuel cells provide the largest benefits in the long-distance HGV category.

Driving Range

HVS' HGV may go up to 370 miles (600 kilometres) depending on the route taken, road conditions, and driving style.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles, unlike battery-powered Electric Vehicles, do not require charging. They are refuelled by hydrogen gas, which is stored under pressure in hydrogen cylinders. Refuelling takes substantially less time than charging an equal battery vehicle and is roughly equivalent to refuelling a truck with diesel (approximately 15 to 20 minutes).

HVS, which is working on development at Horiba MIRA in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, plans to open an R&D, engineering, and pilot production facility in addition to a permanent UK-based production facility. Other hydrogen-powered 4x2 HGV tractor unit variants, including a left-hand drive variant, are also in development.