HVS launches hydrogen truck with 600km range

Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) has unveiled a clean-sheet-designed hydrogen-electric Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV). Showcasing its game-changing hydrogen powertrain in the form of a 40-tonne HGV technology demonstrator underlines the company’s objective of being the first indigenous UK-designed and developed hydrogen-electric HGV on the market.

The Glasgow-based company, which focuses on the ground-up design and development of zero-emission hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, has a defined route to market. In addition to funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Innovate UK, Scottish Enterprise and Energy Technology Partnership, HVS’ strategic investment partner is the service station and grocery corporation, EG Group, offering hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, fleet customer base and the potential for global scalability. 

HVS’ tractor units 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.

According to HVS, the unique ground-up design brings innovation in packaging, performance, efficiency, weight, range, consumption, maintenance, and lifecycle benefits. The technology demonstrator’s unique design allows significantly improved aerodynamics compared with current Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) trucks.  

Consequent benefits include enhanced fuel efficiency on long-haul runs and improved spatial ergonomics within the cab, including better access and more room at the controls, and also aesthetics.

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 the 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 monitors interactions between drivers and control systems, delivering class-leading fuel efficiency and durability.

HVS claims the hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicle delivers a class-leading 600-kilometre range and can be refuelled in 20 minutes.

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, which is undertaking development work at Horiba MIRA, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, envisages that it will open an R&D, engineering and pilot production facility alongside a permanent UK-based production facility. Other variants of the hydrogen-fuelled 4×2 HGV tractor unit, including a left-hand drive variant, are also in the pipeline.