Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS), has used the CV Show to unveil its new heavy duty hydrogen-electric 40-tonne truck.
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. The vehicle powertrain employs a fuel cell 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.
The fuel cell permits longer range, higher load-carrying capacity, and faster refuelling than would be possible using current battery-electric technology, says the company. Typical refuelling time is around 20 minutes to replenish the high pressure hydrogen tanks. Depending on the journey – the route travelled, road conditions and driving style – HVS is quoting a range of up to 370 miles (600km) on a full tank.
Founded in 2017, in Glasgow, HVS focuses on the ground-up design and development of zero-emission hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. The company comprises industry specialists, with vast experience in the automotive, energy, hydrogen technology, power electronics, sustainability and environmental management fields. The company also 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.
“We are delighted to reveal our 40-tonne HGV at the Commercial Vehicle Show,” said HVS CEO Jawad Khursheed. ”This technology demonstrator showcases our ground-breaking 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 haulage industry, offering long ranges and quick refuelling thanks to stations being easily integrated into existing key transport networks. What’s more, we will supply our customers with the most advanced HGV in the sector delivering a step change in driving experience and efficiency.”
HVS is Headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, with development work carried out at Horiba MIRA, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. HVS expects to open an R&D, engineering and pilot production facility alongside a permanent UK-based factory. A workforce of circa 600 employees is predicted across all key disciplines, with many recruits coming from the automotive and aerospace industries.
Other variants of the hydrogen-fuelled 4x2 HGV tractor unit, including a left-hand drive variant, are also in the pipeline.
