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News - Will Shiers
March 13, 2025
Explore Transport has ordered a 6x2 Scania hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) prototype tractor unit. The order is part of the HyHAUL consortium under the zero emission HGV infrastructure demonstrator programme (ZEHID).
The truck is built on Scania’s battery electric vehicle platform and features a 400kW fuel cell and 416kWh of battery storage. On board hydrogen storage behind the cab totals 56kg to offer an estimated range of up to 850km. While Scania is still in the prototype phase of its FCEV development, the vehicle will be delivered in a left-hand drive configuration.
Chris Gatheridge, operations director at Explore said: “Our investment into Scania FCEV marks a major milestone in our journey towards sustainable transport solutions. By adopting this cutting-edge technology from an industry leading OEM, we are not only taking measures to reduce our own carbon footprint, but we are also providing customers with a sustainable alternative that is not yet readily available in the logistics sector: cleaner, greener, zero-emission transport solutions.
“We believe that hydrogen has the potential to meet the unique demands of construction logistics, with the performance and capability to manage heavy loads. By securing the first Scania FCEV prototype in the UK, we are further demonstrating our commitment to a greener future for logistics, with the unit set to be on the road and in operation in Q1 2026.”
Mark Bridgland, sales director at Scania UK, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Explore and helping them on their decarbonisation journey. It is vital that we as manufacturers work with our customers to find solutions that work for them, as well as help them cut emissions and remain profitable.
“In this case, we chose to involve our pilot partner team, to help us and Explore find a zero emissions solution for their specific use case and needs. Seeing how our prototype FCEV truck performs for Explore day-to-day will be fascinating, plus it will provide us with invaluable insight and data.”
Kyle Arnold, managing director at HyHAUL said: “HyHAUL is leading the way in the hydrogen heavy transport supply chain, we are committed to demonstrating the real-world practical application of H2 FCEVs in real-world conditions. Our collaboration with Explore Transport and Scania underscores our dedication to decarbonising the heaviest transport sectors.
“By providing expert analysis, operational support, and strategic implementation of the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and H2 FCEV HGVs, we are ensuring that zero-emission transport solutions are both feasible and scalable. This initiative is a significant step forward in proving that hydrogen technology can meet the demanding needs of HGV transportation, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future. Having Explore as the first customer is a significant milestone for the project, HyHAUL and the UK pathway to a greener future, this is a fantastic partnership that will only continue to grow.”
Scania will be exhibiting at Road Transport Expo 2025, which takes place at NAEC Stoneleigh between 24-26 June. It’s free to attend and registrations are now open.
