Hydrogen HGVs that look like this could soon be on UK roads

This is not an all-new hydrogen-powered lorry. Not quite, anyway. In fact, Glasgow-based manufacturer Hydrogen Vehicle Systems describes what you see above as a “5.5-tonne technology demonstrator” and “a hint to its planned 40-tonne zero-emission HGV”.

So, it’s a scaled-down version of a future lorry, but it is running a full hydrogen fuel cell powertrain with the firm’s clever ‘SEMAS’ fuel efficient brain and tech like a KERS system to recover energy lost during braking.

It’s been designed as an aerodynamic truck too, with an all-new chassis built around the hydrogen powertrain and a cab that apparently offers more space and better access compared to its ICE equivalents. 

We’re told that HVS took the tech demonstrator from initial design to ‘full dynamic prototype’ in just 10 months, and that it’s powered by green hydrogen produced directly by renewable energy.

We don’t have any tech specs from the demonstrator, but a future 40-tonne HGV would apparently have a range of 310 miles and a refuelling time similar to a diesel lorry. 

“Our zero-emission trucks are a key part of decarbonising the logistics sector,” says HVS boss Jawad Khursheed. “Hydrogen is the perfect fuel for the haulage industry, offering long ranges and quick refuelling thanks to stations easily integrated into key transport networks.”