Hydrogen-powered commrical vehicle innovator, Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) is working with Asda to create the world’s first autonomous zero-emission HGV for the UK.
The consortium led by HGV has been awarded £6.6 million to develop and deliver the model, first creating a self-driving heavy goods tractor unit which is set to begin trials in 2024 with the Big 4 grocer.
As a result of the development, it’s hoped the cost savings an autonomous lorry could provide will speed up the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles by the freight sector, and reduce the industry’s contribution to climate change.
Estimated to cost £12m, alongside Fusion Processing Ltd, the partnership will build two prototype vehicles, one fitted with a driver’s cab and tested on the road in autonomous operation with a human safety driver on the wheel.
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The second will remove the driver’s cab and replace this with an aerodynamic fairing and a remote human driver located in a control hub, operating via sensor technology, cameras and artificial technology.
Both prototypes point to an optimised future logistics system where vehicles could be operated in autonomous mode on a hub-to-hub route, with a remote driver taking the vehicle from the hub to its end destination.
HVS said this system could provide operational safety without human intervention, help to offer a next-generation solution to the shortcomings in the haulage industry, solve driver shortages and improve driver quality of life.
“Reducing our fleet emissions is a major part of our plan of moving towards net zero, so we are keen to look at innovative new technology, such as autonomous HGV tractor units, which can make a real difference to our carbon footprint,” Asda senior fleet manager, Sean Clifton said.
“We will continue to work with like-minded partners on projects such as this to reduce our impact on the environment.”
HVD CEO Jawad Khursheed said: “A transport revolution is taking place in the UK and HVS, together with the consortium, is at the forefront of the innovation.
“We are engineering the world’s first autonomous hydrogen-electric powered HGV to demonstrate hub-to-hub logistics to a leading retailer, Asda, to elevate public perception, showcasing the potential autonomy can deliver thanks to increased safety and fuel savings, and develop new business models.”
Business secretary, Grant Schapps added: “In just a few years’ time, the business of self-driving vehicles could add tens of billions to our economy and create tens of thousands of jobs across the UK. This is a massive opportunity to drive forward our priority to grow the economy, which we are determined to seize.”
