Zero-emission, long-range H₂-powered commercial vehicle innovator, Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS), confirmed its state-of-the-art zero-emission H₂-electric heavy goods vehicle (HGV) will have a range of up to 370 miles (depending on load and route) coupled with a refueling time of just 15 min–20 min.

The eagerly anticipated HGV will be revealed at the Commercial Vehicle show on April 18 at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, where HVS will showcase its game-changing H₂ powertrain in the form of a HGV Articulated Tractor Unit, Technology Demonstrator, fulfilling the company’s objective of being the first indigenous UK-designed and developed H₂-electric HGV on the market.

HVS CEO, Jawad Khursheed said, “Thanks to the fresh thinking and ground-up approach, HVS has created an HGV that offers the complete package of game-changing technology and driver ergonomics. The state-of-the-art fuel cell stack coupled with the best in the industry H₂ tanks ensures rapid refueling times and maximizes time on the road–delivering unrivalled Total Cost of Ownership to our customers.”

HVS’ 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 a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) to recapture energy under braking and while the truck is slowing down.

The integrated powertrain is controlled with HVS' advanced control system SEMAS, which will deliver class-leading fuel efficiency and powertrain durability that contributes to achieving a total cost of ownership comparable to that of current diesel-powered offerings in the market. 

The fuel cell permits longer range, higher load-carrying capacity, and faster refueling than would be possible using battery-electric technology alone. The only emission from the vehicle in operation is water vapor, meaning there are no harmful greenhouse gas emissions of any kind. 

It is in the heavy-duty long-range HGV segment that H₂ fuel cells offer the greatest advantages. Depending on the payload, route travelled, road conditions and driving style—HVS’ HGV has the capacity to cover up to 370 miles (600km). 

H₂-powered vehicles don't need charging like a battery-electric vehicle. They are fueled with H₂ gas, stored at pressure in H₂ cylinders. Refueling takes a much shorter time than charging an equivalent battery vehicle and is comparable to filling a truck with diesel, at around 15 min−20 min to refill the H₂ tanks. Much of the initial H₂ fueling demand will be undertaken using mobile dispensers located close to demand at existing commercial vehicle gas stations. These mobile dispensers look very similar to conventional petrol and diesel ones, but with an approved H₂ self-locking safety nozzle.