Please describe your company and its contribution to hitting the Net Zero target.
HVS is an emerging UK-based OEM, developing zero-emission, hydrogen-electric commercial vehicles. Building on a highly experienced team, HVS has delivered a technology demonstrator, proving their innovative powertrain and unique vehicle design. A full development plan to production and beyond is underway, with end-users lined up to replace their existing diesel vehicles with HVS’ zero-emission Heavy Good Vehicles (HGV’s). HVS utilises a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain and the only emissions are pure water vapour. HGVs make up only 2% of vehicles on the road, but disproportionately contribute 26% of road transport emissions. Therefore, decarbonising HGVs is a vital step in achieving net-zero.
Please describe the main challenges you are encountering in scaling your business.
HVS is growing rapidly and has significant backing from our strategic investor Euro Garages Group (EG). EG have helped HVS to overcome many of the challenges to scaling the business. The lack of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure has been cited as a major barrier to hydrogen vehicles, however, EG already have a network of over 1,500 conventional filling stations across the UK and are investing in hydrogen production and distribution.
HVS also has ongoing relationships with several large fleet operators, and has gained many new relationships and connections though EG’s network. This development of all elements of the hydrogen ecosystem that is a major challenge, but one we feel that we are now able to address.
The second challenge is the need to quickly expand the HVS Team, as we progress from a tech start-up to a next generation OEM organisation. This requires a multi-discipline team with skills in new powertrain technology, combined cutting edge commercial vehicle design and engineering expertise - all whilst maintaining high levels of innovation and creativity. This is a challenge we welcome, and we are excited to recruit talented individuals who share our vision and ethos.
To the best of your knowledge, what is the emissions reduction potential of your company?
The average long-distance, long-haul logistics diesel-powered HGV emits around 104 tonnes of CO2eq per year. Taking HVS’ modest sales projections, we estimate that by 2031 our fleet on vehicles on the UK roads will displace the equivalent diesel trucks and generate cumulative savings of 4.3million tonnes of CO2eq, as well as avoiding 6,817 tonnes of NOx and 170 tonnes of PM (Particulate Matter) emissions, benefiting local air quality as well as this major contribution to carbon reduction targets.