The startup, which has raised £ 140 million so far, has added a hydrogen fuel cell system to its current battery-electric HGV design. The hydrogen systems will boost the electric batteries, enabling the truck to carry heavier loads for much greater distances. According to the company, these trucks weigh 7.5 tons and can travel up to 310 miles, with a design they believe can “work for the overwhelming majority of fleet operators in a range of industries and sectors.”
As technology advances, hydrogen is increasingly considered a more attractive fuel, especially for heavier vehicles, such as buses and trucks.
In addition to having no emissions, hydrogen cells also have a higher energy density than both lithium-ion electric batteries and diesel engines.
The firm’s CEO and founder, Asher Bennett, told the PA news agency: “When a truck with no emissions travels more kilometers per day, it is very good for the air we breathe, for the planet and for the economy of electric trucks.
“Every mile you drive on an electric truck is so much cheaper than driving on a diesel truck.”
One disadvantage for hydrogen fuel cells is that they are currently more expensive to buy than electric trucks, which is why Mr Bennet noted that the new truck’s “main fuel” will still be its electric battery, which is recharged overnight.
I claimed that the inclusion of a hydrogen cell as a backup would remove any concern that the truck’s power would run out.
In a statement, he said: “By embracing hydrogen, we insure ourselves, our customers and the industries and communities in which they operate.
“We are also proud of the fact that our vehicles are safe, reliable and drive the distance.
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Ben Nyland, Loop Energy President and CEO, said: “We are very pleased to provide our fuel cell system to power the revolutionary zero-emission truck that Tevva is bringing to market.
“We believe that the combination of Tevva’s proven platform with extended range extension with Loop Energy’s leading fuel cell system could be a key contributor to the decarbonisation of transportation in Europe and North America.”