Four Tevva engineers: Charlie Cordell, Byron Dolman, Ryan Clark and Toby Hurst were doing exactly that recently, with a ‘range test’ of Tevva’s dual-energy prototype truck. The exercise saw the foursome accumulate more than 1,000km (approximately 620 miles) in the 7.5t hydrogen-electric vehicle, driving between Tevva’s London HQ and the Scottish border at Berwick-on-Tweed – England’s most northernmost town.

The return journey saw the truck cover almost 350 miles alone, without needing a single stop for recharging. This was made possible by the truck’s hydrogen fuel cell which tops up the range-extended (Rex) vehicle’s lithium battery when needed.

Lead Engineer, Tevva Rex, Charlie Cordell said: “It was an amazing trip and we were so pleased the truck covered so many miles on the return leg, without the need to stop for a charge. 

“The trip was a terrific demonstration of the range you can achieve in a truck that uses a blended system of electric and hydrogen. The freezing conditions were extremely challenging, but helpful too, in allowing us to gather important data about vehicle performance, meaning we could make tweaks here and there and tailor its development.”

Temperatures rarely climbed above freezing during the trip, and at one point it dropped to minus 10. 

The Tevva engineers stopped off for hydrogen refuelling at Element 2 in Teesside on the first leg of the journey, as well as an earlier stop in the midlands. Element 2 is currently building a national infrastructure of hydrogen refuelling sites. 

Impressions from the road

The company’s Chief Development Officer Dr Andrew Hagan said: “Providing the hydrogen for this significant journey is a proud moment. The superior range on this fuel cell vehicle is a comfort and reassurance for organisations ordering new vehicles and updating their fleets. 

“We are building refuelling stations where they are needed most and removing diesel from our roads. This infrastructure will enable Tevva truck drivers to go the distance.”  

Engineer Ryan Clark, 25, joined Tevva two years ago after completing his engineering degree at Glasgow University. He says the exercise demonstrates the direction of traffic as far as hydrogen is concerned.

“On paper, of course, the range it achieved was expected”, he said. “But it’s still a great feeling, to put the prototype together and see it blasting that kind of mileage. 

“What we’re doing here is exciting. I talk to friends who are working in automotive and typically new engineers only get the chance to shadow teams working on significant projects. At Tevva, there’s a sense of empowerment, an opportunity to get your hands dirty.

Graduate Engineer Toby Hurst, 24, agrees. He said: “With the distance it did, it performed extremely well – considering the conditions we faced. 

“We had a good laugh getting the job done too. We like to enjoy what we’re doing but we’re deadly serious about testing our vehicles and playing our part in the zero-emission revolution.”

During the trip, Ryan said the futuristic truck drew lots of admiring glances from fellow travellers and just as many questions.

“There was quite a bit of surprise when we told people it’s a hydrogen-electric truck”, he said. “I guess people just aren’t used to seeing one. But they will be…eventually.”

Charlie added: “One person asked us if it was an electric truck and we told them about the fuel cell, they said ‘I see…makes sense’.”

Tevva’s approach to hydrogen technology

Tevva’s revolutionary hydrogen fuel-cell range extension technology enables its vehicles to do all the work of diesel, with total peace of mind about cost, range, and environmental impact.

By adding hydrogen into the energy mix, Tevva delivers a solution that gives operators the ability to decarbonise their fleets at the pace needed by climate science and demanded by society.  The company is taking a dual-energy approach to zero-emission mobility, utilising the best of battery-electric and hydrogen technology to maximise the performance of our vehicles.

Tevva is an active player in helping build the battery-electric and hydrogen infrastructure ecosystem, and recognises that the speed and scalability of hydrogen refuelling systems will be crucial to adoption while keeping costs under control.

As low-carbon hydrogen becomes cheaper and more widely available, hydrogen refuelling will become as convenient as diesel refuelling is today. Tevva is actively working with hydrogen and refuelling station suppliers to establish low-carbon hydrogen services for customers and is leading the drive to zero-emissions freight and urban logistics.

Tevva is committed to making hydrogen convenient, affordable and sustainable for its customers.

The post Tevva hydrogen-electric truck clocks up 350 miles in wintry range test appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

  

• Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) is a new UK-based hydrogen vehicle emerging OEM and an innovator in the heavy commercial vehicle segment
•       Today HVS takes the wraps off its 5.5-tonne technology demonstrator, developed from initial design to full dynamic prototype in just 10 months, showcasing some of the technology that will power HVS’ HGV

•       HVS will launch an all-new zero-emission 40-tonne hydrogen HGV featuring a unique powertrain and radical cab design, making it the first indigenous UK Hydrogen HGV, designed and built from the ground up.
•       A reinvention of commercial vehicle design, aimed at optimising range, payload, weight distribution, direct vision, aerodynamics and ergonomically-practical cab design, produces a sector-leading vehicle.
•       HVS’ investment partner, EG Group, enables route-to-market through fleet operator connections and infrastructure development via their international refuelling site network
• HGVs are the second largest contributors to UK transport emissions. They make up a disproportionate amount of road transport emissions (18%) whilst only contributing 5% of vehicle mileage. HGV numbers are increasing on the roads, so this emissions figure is likely to increase

Hydrogen Power zero emissions

Zero-emission, long-range hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle innovator, Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS), has today laid out its plans to disrupt the haulage industry, unveiling a clean-sheet-designed hydrogen commercial vehicle.

Showcasing its game-changing hydrogen powertrain in the form of a 5.5-tonne technology demonstrator, HVS offers a hint to its planned 40-tonne zero-emission HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle), fulfilling the company’s objective of being the first indigenous UK designed and developed hydrogen-electric HGV on the market.

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.

With government targets to curtail sales of all non-zero emission 3.5 -26t HGVs set to come into play by 2035 or earlier and all sales of new non-zero emission HGVs by 2040, HVS and its world-leading technology have the potential to play a crucial role in allowing emissions reduction targets to be achieved.

The company also has a defined route to market. In addition to funding from 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.

HVS CEO Jawad Khursheed said: “This technology demonstrator showcases our ground-breaking hydrogen-electric commercial vehicle design and advanced powertrain technology, a precursor to our HGV model. Fuelled by close-coupled green hydrogen (hydrogen produced directly by renewable energy sources such as hydro, wind or solar) 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 easily integrated into 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, lowest total cost of ownership and market-leading fleet management support.”

HVS Breaking the mould

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, energy storage system and eAxle.

Designed in-house by Pete Clarke, Head of Design, who has a wealth of experience designing commercial vehicles that he brings to bear on HVS’ striking truck designs.  The unique ground-up design brings innovation in packaging, performance, efficiency, weight, range, consumption, maintenance, and lifecycle benefits. The technology demonstrator’s unique design allows significantly improved aerodynamics compared with current ICE trucks.

Consequent benefits include enhanced fuel efficiency on long-haul runs and improved spatial ergonomics within the cab, including better access and more room at the controls, not to mention sector-leading aesthetics.

Driver comfort is taken care of, and stress levels are reduced all contributing to a safer and more efficient operational experience. Confidence-inspiring too, since the driver will be well aware that he or she is abreast of the latest technology.

HVS State-of-the-art fuel cell stack

HVS’ vehicle powertrain employs a fuel cell system 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 will deliver class-leading fuel efficiency and durability which contributes to achieving a low 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 refuelling than would be possible using Lithium-Ion battery technology alone: typical refuelling time is comparable to diesel. It is in the long-distance HGV segment that hydrogen fuel cells offer the most advantages.

The only emission from the vehicle is water vapour, meaning there are no harmful green house gas emissions of any kind.

Long ranges and quick fill-ups 

Depending on the journey – the route travelled, road conditions and driving style – HVS’ HGV has the capacity to cover in excess of 500km.

In pursuit of driving efficiency, SEMAS an advanced control system (monitoring interactions between driver and control systems) is in development. SEMAS will significantly reduce fuel consumption, extending range.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles don’t need charging like a battery-powered EV. They are refuelled with hydrogen gas, stored at pressure in hydrogen cylinders. Refuelling takes a much shorter time than charging an equivalent battery vehicle and is comparable to filling a truck with diesel. Many hydrogen fuelling stations will be located at existing gas stations, using dispensers that look very similar to conventional petrol and diesel ones, but with a different nozzle.

HVS Location, location, location

Headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, and is undertaking development work at Horiba MIRA, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. HVS envisages that it will open an R&D, engineering and pilot production facility in the Midlands, taking advantage of the region’s traditionally strong motor industry skills base, alongside a permanent UK-based production facility. A workforce of circa 600 employees is envisaged across all key disciplines, with many recruits coming from the automotive and aerospace industries. It’s likely that a further 10,000 workers will be involved in the UK supply chain, boosting the skills base.

Plans are in place for a left-hand drive variant of the hydrogen-fuelled 4×2 HGV tractor unit, with a rigid chassis model also in the pipeline. Thanks to the fresh thinking and ground-up approach, HVS has created a HGV from the ground up that offers the complete package; from game-changing technology and driver ergonomics to easy maintenance, and lower total cost of ownership, all packaged into a striking design. EG Group’s investment secures crucial hydrogen fuelling infrastructure and a route to market.

The post HVS Hydrogen-Electric Commercial Vehicle appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

Volvo Trucks suggest that they expect by 2030, more than 50% of the trucks they sell each year should be electric. Truck OEMs face rising pressure to reduce the environmental impact of their vehicles, with legislation enacted to reduce exhaust greenhouse gas emissions and improve urban air quality.

But, alongside this challenge, OEMs are seeing growing demand from their customers who need zero-emission solutions to help deliver their corporate emission reduction targets. As a result, the number of available electric truck models is increasing, with OEMs ramping up production volumes of these models.

In their report, “Electric and Fuel Cell Trucks 2023-2043”, IDTechEx forecasts that the truck market is at the beginning of a relatively rapid shift to electric powertrains.

US Truck Market Gets Choice of Class 8 Electric Trucks

In North America, electric heavy-duty truck options have been limited until this year. However, in 2022 several major OEMs (including Daimler, Volvo, and Tesla) began series production of Class 8 electric trucks.

Perhaps the earliest anticipated announcement was from Tesla, who, at the start of October, confirmed that its’ Tesla Semi had finally gone into “early production” at Tesla’s Nevada Gigafactory (the original production date was scheduled for December 2019).

The first 15 electric Class 8 trucks will be delivered to Pepsi Co in December 2022. What makes this announcement significant is the superior performance promised by Tesla when compared to other available electric models; up to 500 miles of range (when loaded on a flat route), no sacrifice of payload capacity, Megachargers capable of returning 70% of range in 30 mins charging, and on-road energy consumption of less than 2 kWh/mile.

The Tesla Semi could offer both the performance and total cost of ownership that make it competitive with current diesel trucks on some long-haul operations. The large order book for the vehicle demonstrates plenty of companies are keen to explore the technology and 2023 should see several of them get the opportunity to put Tesla’s claims to the test.

Tesla have tentatively set themselves the goal of an annual production of 50,000 Semi’s per year in 2024.

Moving on From Electric Prototypes to Fleet Replacement

Sustainability is an increasingly important concern in the boardroom of major corporations, with many making public commitments to decarbonize their business operations in line with the UNFCC Paris Agreement and national net zero emission targets.

Transitioning truck fleets from diesel engines to zero-emission powertrains is a highly visible way for companies to demonstrate their green credentials to their customers. While IDTechEx believes the initial deployment of electric trucks will be best suited to regional and urban routes, ongoing development work in battery technology, improved powertrain efficiency, and optimization of charging strategy will, over the next two decades, see future generations of electric truck able to meet the energy demand of all but the most arduous of long-haul duty cycles.

2023 promises to be an exciting year, with companies able to move on from small pilot tests of electric trucks to genuine replacement of diesel-fuelled fleet vehicles in cases where the duty cycle is compatible with electric operation. However, given the initial range limitations of the technology, OEMs must work with their customers on each deployment to avoid potential disappointment.

To find out more, the IDTechEx “Electric and Fuel Cell Trucks 2023-2043” report is designed to help businesses plan for the future in this dynamic market. The report contains 80 forecast lines, giving a twenty-year outlook for zero-emission truck sales, market penetration, battery demand, fuel cell demand, and market value, with separate forecasts for medium and heavy-duty trucks.

This report is part of IDTechEx’s broader mobility research portfolio, tracking the adoption of electric vehicles, battery, and technology trends across land, sea, and air

The post Electric Truck Deployment Ready for Acceleration in 2023 appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

The numbers aren’t large at this time but H2X says it creates an opportunity to grow its operations in Scandinavia and become a prominent producer of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the region.

The purchasing company is Renova, which is owned by ten municipalities across Gothenburg in western Sweden. The agreement is for H2X to supply them with five commercial vehicles:

• One 18 tonne back loader truck.
• One 28 tonne demountable truck.
• Three 3.5 tonne tail lift vehicles.

H2X has a two pronged strategy to develop and sell its products.

The first is aimed at designing and delivering powertrain systems for heavy equipment and Stationary Power Applications

The second is in light equipment vehicles.

TO LISTEN TO THE H2X RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

H2X is an Automotive and Power Unit Company founded on absolute sustainability. The Company is focused on the growing Hydrogen fuel cell transport markets which are emerging in the key regions of China, North America, Europe, North Asia and Scandinavia.

Founders Chris and Brendan established Grove Hydrogen Automotive in 2016 in Wuhan China under state company IGE, after a successful launch, slowed by Wuhan Economic Crisis in 2019 Chris and Brendan left Grove to establish a more international and sustainable Hydrogen focused vehicle company.

They say that Chinese product focus on Prestige and Long Distance Commercial for FCEV is incorrect: Long Distance travel is presently compromised with low compression hydrogen supply.

H2X has focus on Medium Distance (300-600km) vehicles focused on efficient running and cost effectiveness for commercial operatorsH2X works with Hydrogen Infrastructure providers to establish Ecosystems which are cost effective from the start: Hydrogen Ecosystems require a minimum volume to hit the market – our products focus on this market.

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