Hydrogen Vehicle Systems showcases new hydrogen-electric truck
The British firm is aiming to build a new 40-tonne, 310-mile hydrogen-electric HGV
British commercial vehicle start-up Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) has revealed plans to launch a zero-emission hydrogen-electric truck, with the firm aiming to become a leading innovator in the haulage industry.
Founded in 2017, HVS focuses on the ground-up development of hydro-electric commercial vehicles. The company is made up of industry specialists in the hydrogen and electric industry and is led by CEO, Jawad Khursheed.
The firm has showcased its hydrogen-electric powertrain for the first time in the form of a 5.5 tonne demonstrator truck. HVS is planning to launch a 40-tonne zero-emission HGV using its hydrogen-electric powertrain and is aiming to be the first in the UK to launch such a vehicle.
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HVS isn't the only brand looking to take a slice of the hydrogen-electric haulage market, as British firm Tevva revealed its own range of hydrogen fuel cell trucks earlier this year.
The Glasgow-based outfit says that depending on the route, road conditions and driving style, the HVS HGC should have the capacity to travel more that 500km (310 miles).
HVS’s powertrain features a hydrogen fuel cell system and energy storage system to deploy electricity to the eAxle. The truck will be equipped with KERS, which will recapture energy under braking while the truck is slowing down.
According to HVS, the integrated powertrain will be controlled by its own in-house ‘Semas’ system which the firm says will deliver “class-leading fuel efficiency and durability”.
The hydrogen fuel cell permits longer range, higher load-carrying capacity and faster refuelling than using battery technology alone, according to HVS. The only emissions from the truck is water vapour meaning no harmful gases are released.
The HVS tractor units will be built on an all-new chassis, which has been designed in-house by head of design, Pete Clark.
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HVS says the unique design of the 5.5 tonne demonstrator showcases improvements in truck design compared to current combustion-engined trucks.
Thanks to sleek design of the HGV, the company claims that the design of the truck will improve fuel efficiency on long-haul runs, while also benefiting the space inside the cabin, with better ingress and egress.
“This technology demonstrator showcases our ground-breaking hydrogen-electric commercial vehicle design and advanced powertrain technology, a precursor to our HGV model,” said HVS CEO, Jawad Khursheed.
"Fuelled by close-coupled green hydrogen (hydrogen produced directly by renewable energy sources such as hydro, wind or solar) 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 easily integrated into key transport networks.”
The truck will continue its development work at Mira testing ground in Warwickshire, with the firm eyeing a new pilot production facility in the midlands. HVS hopes to employ more than 600 employees once up and running.
Plans are also in place to launch a left-hand drive variant of the hydrogen-fuelled HGV tractor unit. HVS has not revealed when it plans to launch its first truck, but it is likely to be a few years before we see the hydro-electric HGV on British roads.
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