Firm with Nuneaton links unveils UK’s first hydrogen electric HGV

An electric and hydrogen truck pioneer with operations in Nuneaton has made history by launching the first hydrogen fuel cell-supported heavy goods vehicle (HGV) to be manufactured, designed and mass produced in the UK. Tevva, a Tilbury-headquartered scale-up, which has so far raised £140million in funding, unveiled its hydrogen electric vehicle alongside its latest full-battery electric HGV at the Road Transport Expo last Thursday (June 30) in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. Hydrogen has been used safely in buses and other vehicles in more than 20 countries for many years and has a higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries or even diesel.

Because of these properties, it is particularly attractive for use in larger, commercial vehicles. By adding a hydrogen fuel cell system to its battery-electric HGV design, Tevva, which earlier this year opened a base at the HORIBA MIRA Technology Park in Nuneaton, is delivering zero-emission solutions that will work for the overwhelming majority of fleet operators across a range of industries and sectors. The fuel cell system tops up the battery, extending the vehicle’s range and allowing the truck to carry heavier loads over longer distances.

READ MORE: Electric truck maker opens Nuneaton base and announces plans to hire 1,000 people One advantage of using the fuel cell as a range extender, rather than the primary source of power, is that it allows Tevva to provide smaller, cheaper and lighter fuel cells and operate these at the highest possible efficiency. Tevva’s 7.5-tonne hydrogen electric truck comfortably meets (and exceeds) demanding duty cycles for nearly all urban and extra-urban use cases.

Tevva’s innovation means that its customers can drive for longer (with a range of up to 310 miles) and will have reassurance because of the technology’s reliability and safety. Crucially, hydrogen refuelling typically takes a similar time to diesel truck refuelling (five-20 minutes) and the dual-use of both battery electric and hydrogen energy sources futureproofs Tevva and its customers as the transition away from fossil fuels and the decarbonisation of the transport industry continues. In 2019, for example, HGVs contributed 18% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, according to UK Government figures.

Tevva’s software systems also operate battery and hydrogen fuel cells at the highest efficiencies to optimise cost-effectiveness, carbon effectiveness, resilience and refuelling convenience. Alongside its 24/7 customer support, Tevva will offer hydrogen services to customers, helping customers to access sustainable and affordable hydrogen supplies safely and conveniently, alongside their purchase or lease of Tevva Hydrogen Trucks. Tevva is on-boarding diverse hydrogen suppliers that can provide innovative and hydrogen services to cater to the needs of our growing customer base.

The new hydrogen electric truck from Tevva (Image: PA)

Tevva CEO and founder Asher Bennett said: “We are excited to launch our hydrogen electric HGV, creating a landmark moment for Tevva and UK manufacturing.

We firmly believe that the post-fossil fuel future, which is quickly approaching, will see a new range of technologies and fuels take centre stage in the transport industry. “By embracing hydrogen, we are futureproofing ourselves, our clients and the industries and communities they operate in. “We also pride ourselves on the fact that our vehicles are safe, reliable and go the distance.

Combined with our commitment to customer service, we believe that Tevva’s hydrogen electric truck will be a popular choice for fleet operators across the UK, Europe and eventually North America. “I am extremely proud of the hard work the team at Tevva have put into this vehicle. We have reached this milestone by leveraging our years of experience designing, innovating and manufacturing dual-energy vehicles.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “It’s great news that Tevva – which has recently opened a base here in the West Midlands – chose our region to play host to the exciting unveiling of its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. “Moving away from fossil fuelled heavy goods vehicles will be essential in helping us to reach our #WM2041 net-zero goals and that’s why I’m delighted to celebrate the launch of the innovative low-carbon technologies that will enable us to get there. “This launch underlines the central role the West Midlands continues to play as a powerhouse of innovation and industrial advancement – something we are rightly proud of.”

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