HGV fleets invited to join hydrogen trials

Leasing company Novuna is inviting heavy goods fleets operating in the North East and along the M4 corridor to participate in a study evaluating the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology for commercial vehicles.

James Bligh, national sales manager for specialist assets, shared details of Novuna’s involvement in two major hydrogen projects at the Fleet200 Strategy Network meeting in Bicester.

The first project, the Tees Valley Hydrogen Vehicle Ecosystem (HYVE) Consortium, focuses on the North East, while the second, HyHaul, is a government-funded initiative aimed at demonstrating the operational capability of hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) along the M4 corridor.

“We need to find a replacement for Euro 6 diesel vehicles," Bligh said. "A fuel that provides sufficient range for operational viability while powering specialist assets, such as cranes. That's why we're exploring hydrogen as a solution for heavy-duty vans, HGVs, and plant machinery."

Bligh encouraged fleets with heavy goods vehicles to get involved in the trial, offering them a chance to be part of a pioneering initiative.

Novuna has been awarded more than £2.1 million as part of the HYVE Consortium, which will showcase the UK's first large-scale deployment of fuel cell electric HGVs. As the HGV leasing partner, Novuna Vehicle Solutions is collaborating with German manufacturer Quantron AG to build, fund, and manage around 20 fuel cell electric HGVs, ranging from 4.2 to 27 tonnes.

The project will establish four new publicly accessible hydrogen refueling stations in the region, with local fleets in logistics, infrastructure, utilities, and home delivery sectors replacing diesel vehicles to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions.

Teesside University’s School of Computer Engineering and Digital Technologies will monitor data and evaluate performance as part of the £7 million project, which is being funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. The trial will last five years, with vehicles running on green hydrogen.

Bligh also emphasised Novuna's role in the HyHaul project, aimed at demonstrating hydrogen's viability along the M4 corridor. “If any fleets operate tractor units along the M4, please reach out – we'd love to have you involved,” he added.