According to HVS estimates, this switch could potentially cut down emissions by 1.6 million tonnes annually. To showcase their progress, HVS is unveiling a hydrogen-electric heavy goods vehicle weighing 40 tonnes at the Move London event, held from June 21 to 22. This impressive vehicle boasts a range of 370 miles and a refueling time of just 20 minutes.
HVS collected the latest data on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from local authorities in the UK, specifically focusing on 2020 figures. The analysis revealed that road transportation in all London boroughs contributes to the annual emission of 7,682 kilotons of CO2. Of this total, 20% can be attributed to commercial vehicles, including light vans and trucks. Given that road freight accounts for a significant 89% of all goods transported within London, zero-emission technologies have immense potential to tackle CO2 levels effectively.
The report also highlights that freight vehicles are responsible for 33% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and 29% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions from road transport in the city. In addition, road-related carbon dioxide emissions account for 23% of London’s total emissions. Shockingly, the findings indicate that approximately 9,400 premature deaths in London can be linked to long-term exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 pollutants.
HVS further notes that over the past 25 years, there has been a substantial 39% increase in freight and servicing vehicle distances traveled in London. To address these concerning statistics, Jawad Khursheed, CEO of HVS, emphasizes the urgency of decarbonizing the freight and heavy goods vehicle sectors. HVS’s hydrogen HGV presents an opportunity to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the commercial freight industry, simultaneously improving air quality and public health. Khursheed asserts that these hydrogen-powered HGVs match the performance of their diesel counterparts while emitting only minimal amounts of water vapor from their tailpipes. HVS remains dedicated to accelerating progress towards a greener and cleaner future.
