Commercial vehicle market disrupter, Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS), has announced another major milestone with the start of prototype manufacturing at a specialist build facility in Silverstone, Northamptonshire. There, HVS will be building several Attribute Prototype (AP) test vehicles as part of its vehicle development program as they move closer to series production of their revolutionary hydrogen fuel cell HGV.

Fablink’s 18,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art facility offers HVS complete build capabilities encompassing quality assurance, logistics, a toolroom and office amenities. HVS and Fablink are embarking on a long-term partnership, with Fablink providing the manufacturing of cab structures, chassis, power towers and providing assembly services. The build is underway with additional support from manufacturing service partners HSSMI.

“We have embarked on another exciting new chapter for HVS. The Fablink team and facility provides us with the space, all the equipment and expertise essential for our build operations. This next project phase in Silverstone, home of automotive excellence, combined with the support of our exceptional team and manufacturing partners, positions us perfectly to successfully deliver our prototype program,” said Lisa-Marie Cunningham, HVS Interim Chief Operating Officer.

HVS have completed the initial build of the first of the prototype rigs at the Silverstone site, which will shortly be dispatched to UTAC, Leyland for the initial rig testing. The build of several other APs is now underway. Each unit will be used to test specific attributes of the truck design, from strength and durability to the range and efficiency of the vehicle ahead of series production which is due to start mid-decade.