Scottish firm tests hydrogen HGV prototype

Scottish firm Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) has delivered the engineering prototype of its X1.5 vehicle to its test facilities as it brings the UK’s first full-sized hydrogen HGV to market.

The X1.5, powered by the same hydrogen fuel cell that will be used in production models, will be used for functionality and systems development including dyno-rig testing – an important precursor to track testing prototypes.

Back in April, HVS revealed its demonstrator vehicle with a powertrain that uses a fuel cell and energy storage system to deliver power to an electric motor, as well as a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) to capture energy while braking and slowing down.

This means the truck has a range of 595km (370 miles) and can refuel in around 20 minutes, similar to diesel models.

HVS, based in Glasgow and founded 2017, aims to “disrupt the commercial vehicle industry” from powertrain design to ground up production, by being an early mover in the development of hydrogen HGVs.

It claims its zero-emission hydrogen electric HGV will emit only 693ml of water per kilometre as a by-product of the hydrogen fuel-cell producing electricity.