Logistics company, John G Russell (Transport), is to put Scania hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) into its daily operations to gather vital operational data on vehicle performance, range and operational suitability.
The announcement follows the handover of three prototype 6×2*4 hydrogen FCEVs to the operator at Scania’s Eurocentral site in Scotland.
Each vehicle features a 400kW electric machine and 416kWh of installed battery capacity, and Scania estimates an electric-only range of up to 300km.
Developed by Scania’s Pilot Partner division, the HGVs are among a small fleet of prototype fuel cell vehicles being tested across Europe in different operational environments.
The trial will provide valuable insight into how hydrogen fuel cell technology performs in real-world logistics operations, helping to assess its potential role alongside battery electric vehicles in the transition to net zero freight.
These vehicles form part of the ZENFreight project, a Government-backed Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme initiative, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
The project is helping to explore how a range of zero-emission technologies can support the future decarbonisation of freight transport across the UK.
John G Russell said the decision to operate the vehicles builds on its longstanding commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Stephen Madden, Group Fleet Engineer at John G Russell, said, “This is an exciting opportunity to build confidence in zero-emission freight.
“By operating three of Scania’s prototype FCEVs in the UK, we are proud to be at the forefront of a pioneering initiative that will help accelerate the transition to cleaner, greener logistics.”
