HVS Secures First Left-Hand Drive Contract: Collaboration with Kopala International for Transition to Zero Programme
Kopala’s map of the Corridor State and participating areas
Hydrogen Vehicle Systems Limited
Press Release
3rd October 2024
Glasgow
HVS signs a MoA with Kopala International SL to supply left-hand drive hydrogen-electric HGVs for the Transition to Zero Programme.
Kopala International, promoter of the HydrogenizingBCN initiative, will deploy HVS’ HGVs on real-world routes, providing key insights for transitioning to zero-emission fleets.
The HydrogenizingBCN Initiative, supported by over 20 global organisations, focuses on creating a green hydrogen economy aligned with the EU's Green Deal.
The first Hydrogen Plant, located in Barcelona, is currently undergoing construction by an off-taking group of initiative partners and will boast an initial capacity of 20MW of green hydrogen to power up to 200 hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles.
HVS HGVs will operate on the first leg of the Hydrogen Corridor proposed by HydrogenizingBCN, which includes the cities of Barcelona, Zaragoza, Madrid, Valencia and Murcia.
Upon the successful conclusion of Phase 1 of the Hydrogen Corridor, Kopala International has committed to pre-order a fleet of 50 FCEV HGVs to be put in operation under the HydrogenizingBCN umbrella.
HVS' MoA marks their first order for left-hand drive models, opening doors to the European market.
High-res media images: MEDIA
Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS), the UK's premier Hydrogen Fuel Cell truck OEM, is proud to announce a significant milestone: the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Kopala International SL, headquartered in Spain. This strategic collaboration will see HVS supply left-hand drive hydrogen-electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) as part of their Transition to Zero Programme, aimed at advancing the decarbonisation of the European road haulage industry.
The partnership will provide Kopala International and its associated logistics operators with a comprehensive roadmap to transition their fleet to zero-emission solutions. Under the agreement, Kopala International will deploy the innovative HGVs on real-world delivery routes, whilst HVS’ Transition to Zero Programme will offer support across key areas such as technology evaluation, hydrogen fuelling infrastructure, financial options, safety standards, and government incentives.
The adoption of Hydrogen in the heavy goods sector is a strategic objective of the Spanish government. In a draft of its national energy and climate plan until 2030, Spain has a target of 11 gigawatts of electrolyser capacity for green hydrogen production, which is the highest in all of Europe. The Spanish Government has approved the "Hydrogen Roadmap: a commitment to renewable hydrogen". With this plan, the Government is promoting the deployment of this sustainable energy source, which will be key to Spain achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest. The development of renewable hydrogen will promote the creation of innovative industrial value chains in the country, technological knowledge and the generation of sustainable employment, contributing to the reactivation towards a high added-value green economy. Indeed, the European Commission's Competition officials have given the green light to State aid of €1.2bn for Spain's nascent renewable hydrogen industry, in a new boost to the country's ambition to become one of the main producers of this climate-friendly fuel.
HVS embarks on first European Collaboration with Kopala International
"Kopala International's commitment to this programme is a testament to the growing appetite for hydrogen solutions in European logistics, and we’re proud to be leading this effort with our cutting-edge FCEV technology."
Phil Henrik
Chief Commercial Officer
"Partnering with HVS enables us to position ourselves as early adopters of hydrogen-powered logistics, and we are eager to take part in their Transition to Zero Programme."
Jeffrey Dost
CEO of Kopala International SL
The signing of the MoA with KI allows HVS to play a major part in the HydrogenizingBCN Initiative, a leading hydrogen project of great magnitude, launched in 2020 to build a Hydrogen corridor consisting of a green hydrogen powered mobility network infrastructure from Barcelona into the Iberian Peninsula and Europe.
Encouraging public-private cooperation to tackle jointly the considerable legal & financial challenges, HydrogenizingBCN is working towards opening the first leg of its proposed Hydrogen corridor by 2027.
In alignment with the EU’s Green Deal & Spain´s Green Hydrogen Roadmap, HydrogenizingBCN has established strong cooperative relationships with local and regional administrations, research institutes and H2 Valleys and special interest groups, as well as private partners. Liaising with these groups and organisations will ensure Kopala achieve their Phase 1 target consisting of the production and supply of 20MW of green hydrogen to fuel up to 200 hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles by early 2027.
Once the realisation of the first phase is secured, it will kick start Phase 2: the construction and launch of the initial segment of the proposed Hydrogen corridor, allowing for long-haul heavy-duty vehicles to operate commercially along this designated route. This corridor is vital for laying down the infrastructure necessary for a hydrogen-based ecosystem, pairing renewable energy production with end-users, such as transportation companies.
Securing a pre-order of 50 left-hand drive HGVs represents a significant milestone for HVS, marking the company’s first major entry into the European market. This pre-order highlights their vehicle’s unique selling points, including zero emissions, long-range capabilities, quick refuelling and operational cost-efficiency. Their deployment will further showcase the trucks' real-world performance, proving their viability in heavy-duty transportation and paving the way for broader adoption across Europe.
Kopala International SL (KI) is a Barcelona, Spain based renewable energy project developer, specialized in the development of green hydrogen projects.
KI has developed a green hydrogen production business model, which allows green hydrogen to compete in the long haul and heavy-duty mobility sector as commercially viable alternative to diesel.
This business model enabled KI to create the HydrogenizingBCN initiative in 2020, with the objective of promoting the green hydrogen economy and bringing together all relevant stakeholders to create a commercially and economically viable green hydrogen value chain.
The KI hydrogen business model and the HydrogenizingBCN initiative have received considerable interest from the market and projects based on the KI model achieved approval for public funding from instruments like the Spanish IDAE Pioneros instrument.
HVS (Hydrogen Vehicle Systems) is a UK company founded 2017. From innovative powertrain design to ground up production, HVS aims to disrupt the commercial vehicle industry by being an early mover with the most advanced, all–new zero emission HGV. Leading the way in hydrogen electric vehicle design, HVS is pioneering cutting-edge solutions that will decarbonise one of the heaviest polluting sectors worldwide. Combining unique design, efficiency, and performance; HVS will provide the ultimate driver experience at lower costs and lowest emissions.
Alongside internal product development, HVS Technology provides engineering services to third parties to help advance the adoption of zero emission vehicles. The HVS engineering a team of industry experts with advanced capability in propulsion, electrical, and control systems delivery.
Top Facts
Based on HVS' conservative sales projections, by 2030 the new UK fleet of hydrogen HGVs displacing diesel vehicles could prevent more CO2 and noxious air emissions than the reported on-ground annual emissions of Heathrow airport.
Green hydrogen is an infinitely renewable fuel. It is made using renewable electricity to split water (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen. In the fuel cell, hydrogen recombines with oxygen from the air to produce heat, power and water.
Fuel Cells were invented in the UK by a Welsh scientist Sir William Grove in 1839.
The UK is home to leading international hydrogen production, supply and storage industries, and HVS is an emerging OEM.
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