Tevva, the truck maker, says that its new hydrogen-electric truck underwent a winter range test with the dual-energy prototype offering an impressive battery range.
The exercise saw four engineers rack up more than 620 miles when the 7.5 tonne truck drove from London to Berwick on Tweed.
On the return journey, the truck covered more than 350 miles without having to stop for battery recharging.
That’s because the truck’s hydrogen fuel cell was able to top up the lithium battery to extend the range.
Tevva engineers stopped to refuel for hydrogen in Teesside
On the journey north, Tevva engineers stopped to refuel for hydrogen in Teesside at the Element 2 facility.
Element 2 is currently creating a nationwide infrastructure of hydrogen refuelling sites.
And the new truck apparently attracted lots of admiring glances and lots of questions along its journey.
Taking a revolutionary approach to hydrogen fuel cells
The firm says it is taking a revolutionary approach to hydrogen fuel cells with the new extension technology enabling its vehicles to do the work of diesels without having to worry about the environmental impact, range or cost.
Now, Tevva says that operators have a solution that will not only help to decarbonise their fleets but help with running costs.
It says that by utilising hydrogen and battery-electric technology, they are able to maximise truck performance.
The firm also points out that as low-carbon hydrogen is made more widely available and becomes cheaper as a fuel, it will become as convenient for operators as refuelling with diesel is today.
Also, the trucks are ideal for urban logistics and those wanting to deliver zero-emissions freight.
‘It was an amazing trip’
The project’s lead engineer, 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.