Cenex is the UK’s premier event for the future of mobility, combining insights from the Low Carbon Vehicle (LCV) and Connected Automated Mobility (CAM) sectors.

T&BB spoke to Vanessa Kelly, Head of Corporate Relations of HVS at Cenex 2024 to learn that HVS is entering another funding (Series B) round in October this year as the engineers continue to forge ahead with its attribute prototype (AP) build.

HVS announced a new deal to supply 30 fuel cell HGVs to UK logistics company, Explore Plant & Transport Solutions. Furthermore, the agreement encompasses a maintenance, servicing and driver training (safe use of hydrogen) contract.

Irish reefer operator, McCulla is set to trial Hydrogen Vehicle Systems’ hydrogen fuel cell HGVs in 2025 to assess the performance and TCO of the vehicles to explore the potential eligibility to be integrated into its fleet.

The specialist facility offers HVS complete build capabilities encompassing a complex toolroom ensuring quality design and prototyping. Each of the prototypes will be used to test specific aspects of the vehicle involving strength, durability and efficiency.

HVS has appointed Dr Utz Claassen as the new Chairman of the Board. Claassen is tasked with overseeing the growth strategy and bringing the HVS Hydrogen Fuel Cell HGVs to market next year.

The HVS tractor unit was powered by green hydrogen with the aim of demonstrating its real-world capabilities with each testing phase concentrating on specific aspects of the vehicle design and performance (electric and thermal) in various weather conditions.

Mannok is set to trial Hydrogen Vehicle Systems, Hydrogen Fuel Cell HGVs in Q4 2025. After the trials, Mannok will assess the performance of the vehicles and explore the potential eligibility to be integrated into its fleet. Furthermore, the trial encompasses refuelling infrastructure, finance options, government incentives and warranty coverage.

Specific testing will evaluate the electric and thermal performance of the HFC in real-world conditions. Ultimately, this is another step in bringing this product to market.

In addition to aiding fleet operators transition to zero-emissions, the ability to customise the vehicle for specific use requirements should also be able to optimise truck operating costs.

The company says it has begun a “critical development stage” with the testing of its X1.5 prototype hydrogen truck, which follows the launch of its HGV technology demonstrator in April earlier this year.

HVS is on track to be the first UK-designed and developed hydrogen-electric HGV on the market, and with the recent financial backing of the EG group, they just might get there.