Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) has set out how to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen HGVs, helping to provide solutions to the climate challenges facing the UK and pave the way for a “truly sustainable transportation sector”.
The first step on this road is incentives, with HVS calling on the government to implement a package of support measures for operators, offering clarity on actual costs to help generate the confidence to invest in new fleets. Incentives could include financial support, as well as emissions-based vehicle purchasing, which would help to strengthen the economic case of hydrogen HGVs, driving faster uptake and bridging the gap.
Governments and local authorities need to provide clear commitments to support the transition from diesel-powered HGVs by setting ambitious carbon reduction targets, while adopting sector-specific goals. Governments across the UK and Europe could increase the 2030 CO2 emissions cut target to 65% – it stands at 45% today – and establish definitive phase-out dates for internal combustion engine heavy trucks.
By setting a reasonable timeline, not to mention sticking to it, industry would be handed the time to plan for the transition. It would also see manufacturers, fleet operators and other stakeholders handed the clarity, assurance and direction in how to act and invest. Targets without supporting policy measures are insufficient, HVS stressed, noting regulations around the transportation of hydrogen need to be urgently addressed.
HVS also wants to see the government ramp up support for the increased production of renewable energy, before then channeling these efforts into green hydrogen production. This will help infrastructure investors to scale up, driven down hydrogen costs and reduce the TCO for hydrogen-powered HGVs in the process. Elsewhere, there is a lack of third-party supplied infrastructure for electric and hydrogen vehicles, when – according to HVS’ heat map analysis of the UK’s logistics road network – just seven strategically located hydrogen refuelling stations would be enough to serve a majority of HGV movements in the motorway distribution network.
Finally, it noted that to support the transition, a skilled workforce is critical. This means investing in STEM, which will cultivate and promote R&D initiatives, while providing opportunities for collaboration between academia, industry and government.
