Green-hydrogen fuelled HVS truck pulls trailer for the first time

A prototype truck powered by ‘green’ hydrogen from renewable energy has pulled a trailer for the first time.

The X2.0 prototype from Glasgow-headquartered HVS had “excellent performance” during its first test run on the high-speed track at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire, the company said.

“This was a momentous moment for the business as the real-world capabilities of the truck were showcased,” the announcement said.

Designed to offer fast refuelling, heavy payloads and long range, the HVS hydrogen fuel cell powertrain is intended to offer comparable performance to traditionally fuelled commercial vehicles, while emitting only water from the tailpipe.

The X2.0 will provide real-world test track data, which will be combined with dynamometer data to refine the vehicle set-up. Data from the vehicle’s powertrain software and performance under physical tests will be mapped on to virtual programs.

The company unveiled its modular tractor unit design in October last year.

“It’s less than one year on from launching our HGV technology demonstrator, and we are already on the test track showing our incredible progress with our first trailer pull with a HVS fuel cell truck,” said John McKenna, HVS chief technical officer.