Transport minister Trudy Harrison given tour of Tevva HQ

Transport minister Trudy Harrison has been given a tour of Tevva’s Tilbury HQ, following the launch of its hydrogen electric truck.

Harrison was accompanied by South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Steven Metcalfe who were joined by Tevva chief executive officer (CEO) Asher Bennett, chief operating officer (COO), Peter Domeney, human resources director Kay Jarvis and commercial director Richard Lidstone-Scott, who outlined Tevva’s plans to launch more factories in continental Europe and beyond.

During the tour, Harrison saw plans to produce and manufacture its vehicles, including the 7.5-tonne battery electric truck which will begin production soon, and learn more about how Tevva is boosting the local and wider economy, the manufacturer said.

Bennett said: “We were delighted to show the transport minister around our Tilbury headquarters and share our plans for developing and manufacturing sustainable urban trucks and mobility technology in the UK.

“Our commitment to scale across the UK is expected to create many hi-tech jobs and establish the region as a world leader in clean energy transport.

“We pride ourselves on developing zero-emission mobility solutions that can address climate change and local air quality issues, and fundamentally improve the lives of people everywhere.

“It is a pleasure to continue our work with government and shape the future of transport and energy in the UK and beyond.”

Tevva’s 7.5-tonne hydrogen electric truck features a fuel cell system and has a range of 310 miles.

The fuel cell system tops up the battery, extending the vehicle’s range and allows the truck to carry heavier loads over longer distances.

Tevva said an advantage of using the fuel cell as a range extender, rather than the primary source of power, is that it allows Tevva to utilise smaller, cheaper, lighter fuel cells and operate at the highest possible efficiency.

Harrison said: "Our road freight industry is one of the most efficient in the world, and we want to ensure that continues as we journey to a zero-emission future while boosting clean job opportunities across the region.

“Tevva is one of the companies leading the way in producing sustainable trucks for our vital fleet services, and it was good to see first-hand the progress Tevva is making with the launch of its first hydrogen electric truck.”