Birmingham, UK: Hydrogen Vehicle Systems has a new hydrogen-powered tractor at the CV Show. The 40-tonne tractor is the first indigenous UK hydrogen HGV. It has a 370 mile (600 kilometre) range and can be refuelled in 20 minutes.
Hydrogen Vehicle Systems investor, EG Group, has a refuelling network able to provide hydrogen produced by renewable energy sources such as hydro, wind or solar.
Founded in 2017, in Glasgow, HVS designs and develops zero-emission hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. It has funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Innovate UK, Scottish Enterprise and Energy Technology Partnership, and EG Group. Jawad Khursheed, chief executive, HVS, said: “This technology demonstrator showcases our ground-breaking hydrogen-electric commercial vehicle design and advanced powertrain technology.
“Our zero-emission trucks are a key part of decarbonising the logistics sector. Hydrogen is the perfect fuel for the haulage industry, offering long ranges and quick refuelling thanks to stations being easily integrated into existing key transport networks.
“What’s more, we will supply our customers with the most advanced HGV in the sector delivering a step change in driving experience and efficiency,” he said.
The new truck will be built on an all-new chassis, designed in-house around the hydrogen powertrain, which consists of pressurised hydrogen cylinders, fuel cells, an energy storage system and electrified rear axle.
Designed in-house by Pete Clarke, the new truck “brings innovation in packaging, performance, efficiency, weight, range, consumption, maintenance, and lifecycle benefits”, the company says.
The powertrain uses a fuel cell system and energy storage system to deploy electricity to an electric motor to transmit power to the wheels. It uses a kinetic energy recovery to recapture energy under braking and while the truck is slowing down.
The only emission from the vehicle is water vapour, meaning there are no harmful greenhouse gas emissions of any kind.
Depending on the journey – the route travelled, road conditions and driving style – HVS’ HGV has the capacity to travel up to 370 miles (600km).
HVS is undertaking development work at Horiba MIRA, Nuneaton, Warwickshire and expects to open an R&D, engineering and pilot factory alongside a permanent UK factory.
Other variants planned of the hydrogen-fuelled 4×2 HGV tractor unit include a left-hand drive variant, also in the pipeline.
