Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) has announced the launch of its state-of-the-art zero-emission hydrogen-electric Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), which offers a range of up to 370 miles and a refuelling time of just 15 – 20 minutes. This new technology is set to revolutionise the commercial vehicle industry, offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered vehicles.

HVS’ HGV Articulated Tractor Unit Technology Demonstrator will be unveiled at the Commercial Vehicle show on the 18th of April in Birmingham, UK. This game-changing hydrogen powertrain, designed and developed entirely in the UK, is the first indigenous hydrogen-electric HGV on the market.

HVS CEO Jawad Khursheed said:

“Thanks to the fresh thinking and ground-up approach, HVS has created an HGV that offers the complete package of game-changing technology and driver ergonomics. The state-of-the-art fuel cell stack coupled with the best in the industry hydrogen tanks ensures rapid refuelling times and maximizes time on the road – delivering unrivalled Total Cost of Ownership to our customers.”

The HVS vehicle powertrain employs a fuel cell system and energy storage system to deploy electricity to an electric motor to transmit power to the wheels. It uses a KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) to recapture energy under braking and while the truck is slowing down. The integrated powertrain is controlled with HVS’ advanced control system ‘SEMAS’ which will deliver class-leading fuel efficiency and powertrain durability that contributes to achieving a total cost of ownership comparable to that of current diesel-powered offerings in the market.

The fuel cell permits longer range, higher load-carrying capacity, and faster refuelling than would be possible using battery-electric technology alone. The only emission from the vehicle in operation is water vapour, meaning there are no harmful greenhouse gas emissions of any kind.

The new HGV is set to have a significant impact on the environment, as HGVs are currently the second-largest contributors to UK transport emissions, producing a disproportionate amount of road transport emissions. HGVs make up only 5% of total vehicle miles on the UK road network but contribute to around 18% of road transport carbon dioxide emissions. HVS’ conservative sales projections suggest that by 2030, the new UK fleet of hydrogen HGVs, displacing diesel vehicles, could prevent more CO2 and noxious air emissions than the reported annual emissions of Heathrow airport.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles don’t need charging like a battery-electric vehicle. They are fuelled with hydrogen gas, stored at pressure in hydrogen cylinders. Refuelling takes a much shorter time than charging an equivalent battery vehicle and is comparable to filling a truck with diesel, at around 15-20 minutes to refill the hydrogen tanks. Much of the initial hydrogen fuelling demand will be undertaken using mobile dispensers located close to demand at existing commercial vehicle gas stations.

HVS’ innovative hydrogen-electric HGV technology is set to transform the commercial vehicle industry, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution to reduce harmful emissions and lower the total cost of ownership for businesses. With the launch of the HGV Articulated Tractor Unit Technology Demonstrator at the Commercial Vehicle show, HVS is leading the way in hydrogen electric vehicle design, pioneering cutting-edge solutions that will decarbonise one of the heaviest polluting sectors worldwide.