Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) unveiled its clean-sheet-designed hydrogen-electric Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) at the Commercial Vehicle Show in the UK in the form of a 40-metric ton HGV technology demonstrator. The company aims to become the first indigenous UK-designed and developed hydrogen-electric HGV on the market.
The company’s tractor units are built on an all-new chassis which has been developed entirely in-house by HVS. The vehicle’s hydrogen powertrain consists of pressurized hydrogen cylinders, fuel cells, an energy storage system and an electrified rear axle. The vehicle was designed by HVS’s head of design, Pete Clarke, and the truck is stated to bring “innovation in packaging, performance, efficiency, weight, range, consumption, maintenance, and lifecycle benefits”. The vehicle’s design also delivers aerodynamic benefits over conventional ICE trucks, leading to enhanced fuel efficiency on long-haul journeys.
The truck’s powertrain uses a fuel cell system and an energy storage system to deploy electricity to an electric motor to transmit power to the wheels. A kinetic energy recovery system is used to recapture energy under braking and slowing down. The integrated powertrain is controlled with the company’s advanced control system SEMAS, which monitors interactions between drivers and control systems.
The truck’s fuel cell enables a longer range, a higher payload and faster refueling than using battery-electric technology on its own. Refueling of the high-pressure hydrogen tanks takes an estimated 15-20 minutes and enables the vehicle to travel up to 600km while only emitting water vapor.
Further development work is being carried out at Horiba MIRA in Nuneaton, UK. Additional variants of the hydrogen-fueled 4×2 HGV tractor unit are also under development.
“We are delighted to reveal our 40-metric ton HGV at the Commercial Vehicle Show,” said Jawad Khursheed, CEO of HVS. “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 decarbonizing the logistics sector. Hydrogen is the perfect fuel for the haulage industry, offering long ranges and quick refueling 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.”
