HVS to show new fuel cell HGV tractor unit at Commercial Vehicle Show 2023

Promo photo of new HGV from HVS (Photo: Hydrogen Vehicle Systems)

Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) is set to unveil a new 40-tonne fuel cell-powered HGV at the upcoming Commercial Vehicle Show 2023 in Birmingham, UK.

The HGV articulated tractor unit technology demonstrator features a hydrogen fuel cell stack which is said to deliver a range of up to 600 km (370 miles), dependent on load and route.

Refuelling with compressed hydrogen can be completed in about 15 minutes. HVS puts forward that most refuelling will be completed using mobile dispensers which feature self-locking safety nozzles. As reported previously in Diesel Progress International, Element 2 is also planning to create a network of H2 refuelling sites across the UK.

The truck further features a KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) to capture energy under braking which is returned to the onboard battery pack.

HVS states that this is the first ‘indigenous’ hydrogen HGV designed and built in the UK. Together with the hydrogen drivetrain, the tractor is also said to feature a ‘radical’ cab design.

Speaking about the new vehicle, HVS CEO Jawad Khursheed, said: “Thanks to the fresh thinking and ground-up approach, HVS has created an HGV which offers the complete package of game-changing technology and driver ergonomics.

“The state-of-the-art fuel cell stack, coupled with best-in-the-industry hydrogen tanks ensures rapid refuelling times and maximises time on the road, delivering unrivalled total cost of ownership (TCO) to our customers.”

The HVS tractor drivetrain is managed by the company’s SEMAS system. The system is intended to deliver peak fuel efficiency, building cost savings that factor into the anticipated TCO.

HGVs are reported to be the second-largest contributor to total UK transport emissions. While making up 5% of all road traffic, they create about 18% of road transport CO2 emissions.

HVS puts forward that replacing diesel-powered HGVs with the total projected sales volumes of hydrogen-powered HGVs through 2030 would cut more CO2 and other emissions than are produced annually by Heathrow airport.