HVS URGES INTRODUCTION OF ‘PAY-AS-YOU-POLLUTE’ POLICIES TO ACCELERATE ZERO-EMISSION COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TRANSITION 

• HVS calls for carbon-based pricing scheme on fossil-fuelled heavy vehicles to drive a faster transition to clean technology
• Suggests a carbon emissions price escalator, EU-wide support for operators purchasing zero-emission vehicles and more comprehensive carbon-based road pricing
• Strategic policy proposals build on a letter sent to the EU by over 40 leading companies urging European policymakers to draft more ambitious CO₂ standards and accelerate the production of zero-emission electric and hydrogen trucks at scale
• Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) is a UK-based hydrogen vehicle OEM and innovator in the heavy-duty commercial vehicle segment
• HVS’ revolutionary 40-tonne zero-emission HGV can help expedite the move to zero-emission hydrogen commercial transportation with its class-leading 370 mile (600 kilometre) range

 HVS (Hydrogen Vehicle Systems), an innovator in zero-emission commercial vehicles is calling for the implementation of a ‘pay-as-you-pollute’ carbon-based pricing scheme on fossil-fuelled heavy vehicles to drive a faster transition to clean technology.

Welcoming a letter, signed by over 40 leading companies such as Nestle, Pepsico, and Nike sent to the EU this week, which has called for more ambitious CO₂ standards, plus a clear date for 100% of new trucks to be zero emission, HVS believes simply setting carbon reduction targets without accompanying policy measures is not sufficient.

To effectively achieve the reduction in emissions and reach targets and accelerate the uptake of clean and green heavy goods vehicles, it is also calling for the introduction of a series of policy levers, advocating carbon pricing, specifically by implementing a carbon emissions price escalator on fossil-fuelled vehicles, which follows the principle of polluters paying.

The proposed initiative of gradually increasing the price of diesel based on a predetermined trajectory would incentivise the adoption of zero-emission and alternative fuel vehicles by making their total cost of ownership more favourable.

Additionally, EU-wide support for operators purchasing zero-emission vehicles based on their emissions from well to wheel, as well as the implementation of more comprehensive road pricing scaled to carbon emissions, would further strengthen the economic case for early adoption and drive faster uptake of sustainable solutions.

HVS is at the forefront of a cleaner haulage industry with its visionary hydrogen-electric Heavy Goods Vehicle and supports this commitment to the greater incentivisation of green commercial vehicle technology, which will accelerate the production of zero-emission electric and hydrogen trucks at scale and reduce costs for all. 

This week, an influential coalition of companies appealed to Members of the European Parliament and Environment Ministers to enact stricter EU-wide emissions regulations and adopt more ambitious CO₂ standards. Specifically, the group has urged for an increase in the 2030 CO₂ emissions cut target from 45% to 65%. By taking proactive measures sooner, the coalition hopes to see over 150,000 additional green trucks on Europe’s roads in 2030 compared to the European Commission’s proposed target.

With a clear phase-out date of ICE for heavy trucks there will be a definitive timeline for the industry’s transition, offering clarity and direction to manufacturers, fleet operators, and other stakeholders.

Jawad Khursheed, CEO of HVS commented: “There is a real urgency for the transition to zero-emission heavy goods vehicles, so we are very encouraged to see parties across the industry actively initiate a call to action for policymakers to make those decisions that will expedite this shift. Collectively, we need to work together to push for bolder decisions and ambition from current proposals, which is desperately required to help advance the development of zero-emission solutions.

“However, we need to do more than simply call for carbon reduction targets – these must be backed by a series of policy levers to effectively deliver them, which is why HVS believes the best approach is for carbon pricing. The polluter must pay, whether that’s through escalating fossil fuel prices, EU support for operators buying zero emission heavy vehicles based on well-to-wheel emissions and more comprehensive carbon-based road pricing. HGVs are the second largest contributors to UK transport emissions and with their numbers increasing, their emissions are likely to increase. We need to act quickly to ensure we can support the haulage industry seamlessly move from fossil-fuelled fleets to green hydrogen HGVs.

“HVS’ technology holds the potential to play a crucial role in achieving emissions reduction targets and drastically contribute to cleaner transportation. We are committed to revolutionising the haulage industry by offering sustainable solutions, working collaboratively with policymakers, industry partners, and other stakeholders to drive the adoption of zero-emission trucks.”

The company’s HGV, designed from the ground up, boasts advanced technology and holds immense potential in helping achieve emissions reduction targets. With a remarkable capacity to travel up to 370 miles (600km), HVS’ state-of-the-art fuel cell stack enables longer range, higher load-carrying capacity, and faster refuelling compared to battery-electric technology alone.

HVS’ powertrain also employs KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) to recapture energy under braking and while the truck is slowing down. The integrated powertrain is controlled with HVS’ advanced control system ‘SEMAS,’ which monitors interactions between drivers and control systems, delivering class-leading fuel efficiency and durability.

The only emission from the vehicle is water vapour, meaning there are no harmful greenhouse gas emissions of any kind. With class-leading technology and championing the fight for more ambitious zero-emission truck targets, HVS aims to pave the way for a cleaner and more efficient freight industry and minimise environmental impact.