Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS), the UK's first Hydrogen Fuel Cell truck OEM, has today signed a Partnership Agreement with Explore Plant & Transport Solutions (Explore) to supply 30 HVS hydrogen electric tractor units onto their fleet.

Under the terms of the Agreement, HVS will deliver 30 state-of-the-art hydrogen-powered fuel cell tractor units for Explore to deploy on their fleet across the UK. The vehicles will be supported by a service and maintenance plan, full training on the safe use of hydrogen, refuelling and driver training, and a hydrogen fuelling infrastructure that fully meets the needs of their operation.

Founded in 2015, Explore is a specialist supplier of transport and plant hire services to a diverse range of industry sectors including aerospace, construction, rail and nuclear, and is one of the fastest growing haulage and plant hire businesses in the UK.

“It is our firm belief that Hydrogen-electric fuel cell vehicles are set to revolutionise the long-haul and line-haul trucking industry, providing a clean alternative to traditional diesel engines. These new HVS units will significantly reduce Explore’s carbon footprint, and this Agreement underscores our commitment to advancing green technology within our business. We are excited to be collaborating with HVS to achieve this transition.” — Chris Gatheridge, Operations Director for Explore

“This landmark Partnership Agreement is testament to our shared vision of a sustainable future. Our innovative, zero-emission fuel cell technology provides fleet operators with the heavier payloads, longer range and faster refuelling required of modern logistics operations seeking to decarbonise their fleets. We are looking forward to working with Chris and his team as we both aim to lead the logistics industry in sustainability.” — John McLeister, Chief Commercial Officer for HVS

HVS aims to revolutionise the heavy-duty commercial vehicle industry. Their state-of-the-art powertrain solution, designed as a native Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) from the ground up, promises superior efficiency, outstanding performance, and a reduced environmental impact by offering heavier payloads, longer range and faster refuelling compared to battery electric alternatives.

About Explore

Explore Plant & Transport Solutions Ltd is a specialist supplier of transport and plant hire services in the UK with a fleet of 150 trucks, 6,000 plant hire assets and 7 depots nationwide. It employs 300 people and generates an annual turnover in excess of £70 million. The Transport division combines over 50 years of construction logistics and haulage expertise, and the Plant division boasts one of the largest, most diverse and modern ranges of plant equipment, small tools, formwork and falsework systems. Both in-house divisions providing bespoke end to end services tailored to customer requirements.

About HVS

HVS (Hydrogen Vehicle Systems) is a UK company founded 2017. From innovative powertrain design to ground up production, HVS aims to disrupt the commercial vehicle industry by being an early mover with the most advanced, all–new zero emission HGV. Leading the way in hydrogen electric vehicle design, HVS is pioneering cutting-edge solutions that will decarbonise one of the heaviest polluting sectors worldwide. Combining unique design, efficiency, and performance; HVS will provide the ultimate driver experience at lower costs and lowest emissions.

Top Facts

Based on HVS' conservative sales projections, by 2030 the new UK fleet of hydrogen HGVs displacing diesel vehicles could prevent more CO2 and noxious air emissions than the reported annual emissions of Heathrow airport.

Green hydrogen is an infinitely renewable fuel. It is made using renewable electricity to split water (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen. In the fuel cell, hydrogen recombines with oxygen from the air to produce heat, power and water.

Fuel Cells were invented in the UK by a Welsh scientist Sir William Grove in 1839.

The UK is home to leading international hydrogen production, supply and storage industries, and HVS is an emerging OEM.

Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) Secures Deal to Supply 30 Fuel Cell Trucks to Explore Plant & Transport Solutions