Glasgow-based Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS), a zero-emission, hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle innovator, has delivered its first engineering prototype test ‘mule’ — X1.5 — to its test facilities. This milestone moment marks the beginning of the crucial development phase to bring the UK’s first full-size hydrogen HGV to market.

The delivery of X1.5 is a key milestone for HVS which, following the successful launch of its HGV technology demonstrator in April this year, the company has been focusing on bringing this transformative vehicle to market. Track testing prototypes will quickly follow.

John McKenna, HVS chief technical officer, said: “The team and I are thrilled that the X1.5 engineering prototype has arrived at our test facility, 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”.

Designed and engineered from a clean sheet approach, HVS’ zero-emission hydrogen electric HGV is set to decarbonise the hardest-to-abate section of the transport industry, heavy haulage. HGVs currently make up 1.5% of all vehicles on the road yet produce 19% of the emissions. HVS’ range of HGVs will emit only 693ml of water per km as a by-product of the hydrogen fuel-cell producing electricity