Under its Road to Zero strategy, the British government wants at least half of new vehicles to be ultra low emission by 2030. Is hydrogen or fuel cell power the answer?
Hydrogen, chemical symbol H, or fuel cell power has long been seen as a potential solution in achieving zero-carbon transport, despite scientific entrepreneur and Tesla boss Elon Musk dismissing the idea as ‘fool cell’ technology. Could it be the answer to the problem of HGV diesel emissions?
A study of the research seems to lead to the conclusion that, while this is a probability in other parts of the world, it might not be so likely in the UK and much of Europe.
It might work in the USA, for example. Giant US brewery company Anheuser-Busch announced in May that it had put in an order with Nikola Motor Company for up to 800 fuel cell long-haul HGVs.
The company stated: “The zero-emission trucks – which will be able to travel between 500 and 1200 miles and be refilled within 20 minutes, reducing idle time – are expected to be integrated into Anheuser-Busch’s dedicated fleet beginning in 2020. Through this agreement, Anheuser-Busch aims to convert its entire long-haul dedicated fleet to renewable powered trucks by 2025.”
Why hydrogen?
Fuel cell electric powertrains are essentially chemical batteries. At the hydrogen extraction site, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen through a process called electrolysis, where electricity is used to split the water. The hydrogen becomes a store of energy. It is pumped into the vehicle’s tank and then exposed to oxygen in the fuel cell. The hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water (the only ‘emission’ from the vehicle using hydrogen power), releasing energy as the atoms combine.
The resulting energy, electricity, drives the truck’s motor in much the same way as a battery would.
Graham Cooley, chief executive of UK-based hydrogen extraction and fuelling company ITM Power plc, explains the advantages of hydrogen.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Well forked Daf
Remember, we like to cover all sorts of different trucks here at T&D – like this impressive new CF rigid complete with Moffett Mounty forklift
King of the hill
Moving heavy equipment off road calls for a truck with plenty of power and traction, which is why M&J Plant chose a mighty 6x4 FH16 750
Time Machine 2015-2019
It’s the final part of our series on the history of UK haulage. Let’s look back at those innocent times before that pesky virus turned up
Original and best
There are few trucks which have been customised to the level of the Scania 143, but let’s not forget that the standard product was pretty awesome just as it left the factory, like this rare 420
GOING ALL THE WAY
Simon Rogers got behind the wheel as soon as he was able to, and nearly 30 years later, his company is going from strength to strength, with a striking all-black, top-spec Iveco S-Way 570 the latest addition to the fleet
Abnormal loads
In the distant past, when dinosaurs roamed the planet, truck drivers were a very different breed, made from sterner stuff than us mere mortals
Range change
After a gap of 13 years, Renault trucks have reappeared in the unique colours of MacRitchie Highland Distribution. T&D takes the high road to Inverness to meet owners, Donald and Catriona MacRitchie
Cutting a dash
Freshly showered and munching a healthy egg and cress sarnie in Gloucester North services, Chris has a Foden update
Air we go!
On Saturday 29 May at 6pm, 240 drivers gathered with their trucks at South Mimms Services for a parade to raise vital money for Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance
A Cutt Above
From coal to turf to fencing and loads more, there’s not much the Calcutt fleet hasn’t transported over the years
