UK hydrogen fuel cell truck successfully pulls trailer on test track

Powered by green hydrogen, X2.0 didn’t disappoint with excellent performance on its very first test run on the high-speed track at UTAC, Millbrook. This was a momentous moment for the business as the real-world capabilities of the truck were showcased.

X2.0 is one of a series of engineering prototypes. Each testing phase focuses on different aspects of the vehicle design and will be used alongside computer-aided engineering models.

This truck will provide crucial real-world test track data, which when combined with dyno test data gathered to date, will be used to refine the vehicle set-up and provide systems calibration and optimisation. 

Specifically, data points from the vehicle's powertrain functional software and performance under physical tests will now begin to be mapped to the virtual world. 

The UK-built prototypes, all feature the unique HVS Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powertrain that delivers a suite of features perfectly suited to HGV operations. With fast refuelling, heavier payloads and long range, the truck offers comparable performance to traditionally fuelled commercial vehicles whilst emitting only water from the tailpipe. 

The water emissions were visible on the test day, demonstrating that the fuel cells are working as expected. 

“It’s less than one year on from launching our HGV technology demonstrator, and we are already on the test track showing our incredible progress with our first trailer pull with an HVS fuel cell truck,” says John McKenna, HVS Chief Technical Officer.

“It is the culmination of the team’s hard work and commitment, and the support of our key development suppliers, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved in this milestone moment of our test programme. I can’t wait to see what more this vehicle can do.”