Hydrogen HGVs could cut 1.6m tonnes of CO2 from London's air

London truck fleets could cut emissions across the capital by 1.6 million tonnes of CO2 a year by switching to zero emissions technology, according to estimates by Hydrogen Vehicle Systems.

HVS is showing off its 40-tonne hydrogen-electric heavy goods vehicle at the Move London event, which runs between June 21 and 22. The hydrogen HGV has a range of 370 miles and a 20 minute refuelling time.

The business gathered the latest UK local authority GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions data for 2020 that indicates that 7,682 kilotons of CO2 is emitted annually due to road transport in all London boroughs.

Further analysis showed that 20% of these emissions were attributed to commercial vehicles, including light vans and trucks.

Road freight accounts for 89% of all goods transported in London, so the potential for zero emissions technology to make an impact on CO2 levels is significant.

Freight vehicles in the report were responsible for 33% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and 29% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions from road transport in London.

Additionally, road-related carbon dioxide emissions were found to be responsible for 23% of the city's total.

Furthermore, the findings reveal that an estimated 9,400 premature deaths in London are linked to long-term exposure to PM2.5 and NO2.

HVS said London has also seen a 39% increase in freight and servicing vehicle kilometres in the past 25 years.

Jawad Khursheed, HVS chief executive, said: “These staggering statistics show us how critical it is that we decarbonise the freight and heavy goods vehicle sectors and the potential to remove significant carbon emissions, harmful levels of PM2.5 and NOx emissions from the capital.

“Our hydrogen HGV has enormous potential for reducing carbon emissions in the commercial freight sector, while also improving air quality and public health.

“We can provide logistics and haulage companies with HGVs that have a performance parity of diesel equivalents yet emit just a small amount of water vapour from the tailpipe. We are committed to accelerating towards a greener and cleaner future.”

Fleet & Mobility Live, October 3 & 4, NEC, Birmingham

• This year's Fleet & Mobility Live, brought to you by Fleet News, will feature a special EV Theatre seminar session looking at how fleets are tackling the challenges of converting heavier commercial vehicles to zero emissions and the mix of alternative fuel strategies available. Register your interest at fleetandmobilitylive.com to secure your free place on October 3 & 4 at the NEC, Birmingham.