In 2025 HVS plans pilot production of purpose-built hydrogen fuel cell tractor unit for the UK and markets of Continental Europe.

T&BB spoke to representatives of Saietta – a British e-powertrain developer – and its Dutch subsidiary (formerly known as e-Traction) about how the group came to make its first steps into the market for heavy-duty vehicles.

The project brings together a consortium led by HVS and includes Fusion Processing, Grayson and PNDC.

The retrofitting process replaces the Wrightbus’ hybrid drivetrain with a Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED), which includes Equipmake’s own HTM 3500 electric motor, producing 3,500Nm torque at 1,000rpm and delivering 400kW maximum power.

Meritor announced that in May this year it opened a new purpose-built test chamber for heavy-duty electric powertrains and drivetrain development at its brake manufacturing and global disc brake research facility in Cwmbran, UK.

MT17.0LE Electric Single Deck Bus developed as part of a UK-government funded project to begin Buenos Aires in-service trials.

Dana UK operations has won a grant to develop an electric powertrain for the OX Delivers truck for emerging markets.

Bus manufacturer Wrightbus of Ballymena, Northern Ireland, has announced two single-deck zero emission buses. The company showcased the hydrogen-powered GB Kite Hydroliner at Cenex LCV21, with the same e-systems powering the battery-powered GB Kite Electroliner. Both vehicles are expected to enter series production in Q1 2022.

The money will be invested in a joint project with Advanced Electric Machines to develop hydrogen-based range extenders for medium- to heavy-duty commercial electric vehicles.