HVS Has Introduced The UK’s First Hydrogen Truck. Photos
Hydrogen Vehicle Systems’ (HVS) groundbreaking zero-emission hydrogen-powered truck has unveiled its plans to revolutionize the transportation industry by introducing a hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty vehicle (HGV).
The unveiling of its revolutionary hydrogen powertrain in the form of a 40 tonne HGV technology demonstrator underscores the company’s aim to be the first British designed and developed hydrogen HGV on the market.
Established in 2017 in Glasgow, HVS focuses on the design and development of zero emission hydrogen powered commercial vehicles from the ground up. The company consists of industry specialists with extensive experience in the fields of automotive, energy, hydrogen technology, power electronics, sustainability and environmental management.
With government targets to reduce sales of all non-emission heavy-duty vehicles from 3.5 to 26 tonnes by 2035 or earlier and all sales of new non-zero emission heavy-duty vehicles by 2040, HVS and its World-leading technology has the potential to play a crucial role in enabling emission reduction targets to be met.
The company also has a definite path to the market. In addition to funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Innovate UK, the Scottish Enterprise and the Energy Technology Partnership, HVS’s strategic investment partner is the supermarket and petrol station company, EG Group, which provides hydrogen refueling infrastructure, a fleet customers and the potential for global scalability. .
“We are pleased to present our 40-tonne heavy-duty vehicle at the Commercial Vehicle Show. This technology demonstrator showcases our innovative 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 transportation industry, offering fast, long-haul refueling from stations that integrate easily into existing major transportation networks. We will also be providing our customers with the most advanced heavy-duty vehicle in the industry, which will mean a radical change in the driving experience and efficiency.” says Jawad Khursheed CEO.
break the mold
The HVS tractors will be built on an all-new chassis, designed in-house around the hydrogen powertrain, consisting of pressurized hydrogen cylinders, fuel cells, an energy storage system and an electrified rear axle.
Designed in-house by Head of Design Pete Clarke, who brings extensive commercial vehicle design experience to HVS’s captivating truck designs, the unique design from the ground up brings innovation in terms of packaging, performance, efficiency, weight, range benefits , consumption, maintenance and life cycle. The technology demonstrator’s unique design allows for significantly improved aerodynamics compared to current internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks.
The resulting benefits include improved fuel efficiency on long-haul journeys and improved ergonomics of the interior space, including better access and more room at the controls, not to mention class-leading aesthetics. Driver comfort is taken care of and stress levels are reduced which contributes to a safer and more efficient operating experience. It also inspires confidence, as the driver will know perfectly well that they are up to date with the latest technology.
State-of-the-art fuel cell stack
The HVS vehicle propulsion system uses a fuel cell system and energy storage system to send electricity to an electric motor to drive power to the wheels. It uses KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) to recover energy under braking and when the truck slows down. The integrated powertrain is controlled by HVS’s advanced “SEMAS” control system, which monitors the interactions between drivers and control systems, delivering class-leading fuel efficiency and durability.
The fuel cell allows for greater range, greater load capacity and faster refueling than would be possible using battery-electric technology alone: typical refueling time is comparable to diesel, around 20 minutes to refuel the hydrogen tanks at high pressure. It is in the long-distance heavy-duty vehicle segment that hydrogen fuel cells offer the greatest benefits. The vehicle’s only emission is water vapour, which means there are no harmful greenhouse gas emissions of any kind.
Long distances and fast reloads
Depending on the journey (route traveled, road conditions and driving style), the HVS HGV has the capability to travel up to 600km (370 miles). Hydrogen-powered vehicles don’t need to be recharged like a battery electric vehicle. They are recharged with gaseous hydrogen, stored under pressure in hydrogen cylinders. Refueling takes much less time than recharging a vehicle with an equivalent battery and is comparable to refueling a truck with diesel (about 15-20 minutes). Many hydrogen refueling stations will be located on existing commercial vehicle yards, using dispensers that closely resemble conventional petrol and diesel, but with a different nozzle.
British made
HVS is based in Glasgow, Scotland and is carrying out development work at Horiba MIRA, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. HVS plans to open a pilot R&D, engineering and manufacturing facility along with a permanent manufacturing facility in the UK. A workforce of around 600 is expected across all key disciplines, with many recruiting coming from the automotive and aerospace industries. An additional 10,000 workers are likely to be involved in the UK supply chain, boosting the skills base.
Other variants of the hydrogen-powered 4×2 HGV tractor are also planned, including a left-hand drive variant.Through fresh thinking and a bottom-up approach, HVS has created a heavy-duty vehicle that offers the complete package; from innovative technology and driver ergonomics to easy maintenance, all wrapped up in an attractive design. EG Group’s investment secures critical hydrogen fuel infrastructure and market access.