Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) has reached a significant milestone in its mission to introduce zero-emission, hydrogen-powered Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to the market. The company recently unveiled its engineering prototype test vehicle, the X1.5, signaling the initiation of a critical development phase.

The X1.5, the first in a series of prototype test and development vehicles, has arrived at the HVS test facilities, paving the way for comprehensive testing, which is set to commence in the autumn. Powered by the same cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology intended for production vehicles, the X1.5 will undergo functionality and systems development assessments, including dyno-rig testing. It serves as a precursor to the subsequent track testing of prototypes.

“The team and I are thrilled that the X1.5 engineering prototype has arrived at our test facility,” says John McKenna, Chief Technical Officer at HVS, ”and we can now begin the vital development phase of testing the hydrogen fuel-cell technology on the dyno-rig. Maximising the performance of the fuel cell is a key step ahead of beginning on-track testing and bringing this exciting new HGV to market.”

HVS has designed and engineered its zero-emission hydrogen electric truck from scratch, with a particular focus on addressing the emissions challenges in heavy haulage, one of the most challenging segments of the transport industry to decarbonise.