HVS launches hydrogen plan for road transport An all new hydrogen truck is being developed by HVS

UK hydrogen truck pioneer HVS has launched a five-point plan to encourage the adoption of hydrogen-powered HGVs and a wider hydrogen strategy in this country.

CEO Jawad Khursheed said: “This industry desperately needs clarity from the UK government on incentives to encourage the early adoption of hydrogen HGVs, alongside commitments to support the development of new H2 technology, green hydrogen infrastructure and revisions to regulations.

The five-point plan covers incentives, legislative and regulatory changes, green hydrogen production, infrastructure, and an upskilled workforce.

It calls for financial support for operators, with cost clarity to encourage investment in new fleet technologies. It wants a definite cut-off date for the use of diesel trucks, and reform of transport legislation to enable the transportation of large quantities of hydrogen for long distances. Production of green hydrogen must be increased, and better infrastructure provided for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. More investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is needed to supply a competent workforce for vehicle manufacturers and tier one suppliers in the hydrogen industry.

“Our roadmap shows how the haulage industry can seamlessly move from fossil-fuelled fleets to green hydrogen HGVs, enabling the UK to remain competitive globally and ensuring climate change goals are met,” Mr Khursheed concluded.

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BUSINESSES OFFERING ON-SITE CHARGING TO DOUBLE

The number of businesses offering on-site electric vehicle charging is set to double in the next year, according to research from Arval Mobility Observatory.

Currently, 20% of businesses have charging available at their premises, but the report reveals that this is set to increase to 40% within 12 months.

Shaun Sadlier, Head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said:

“This represents a relatively important shift in supporting drivers who choose or are provided with an electric car or van through their employer. It means EV drivers visiting other companies should be able to increasingly access charging for their return or subsequent journey, saving time and presumably also accessing cheaper power than if they had to pay for public charging.

“One of the considerations that businesses need to think through is the mix of charging points which they install. One set of drivers may need access to a rapid charger to get sufficient additional miles, while for another group of drivers a slower charger will be adequate.

“Whether this all materialises in exactly the manner we’d hope is difficult to say – employees could ‘hog’ the chargers on their own company car park, but it does hopefully mark the beginning of a crucial infrastructure shift towards noticeably wider charger availability.”

However, Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer also shows a decrease in the percentage of companies offering free charging, probably as a result of recent increases in the cost of electricity.

“Since this question was asked in last year’s research, the number of fleets offering free power at their premises has fallen from 29% to 17%. As an effect of soaring prices, it has simply become too expensive for many to continue to give electricity away,” Shaun Sadlier reported.

To discover more about the Arval Mobility Observatory and the 2023 Barometer findings, visit: bnpp.lk/ev-charger-insight.