MOVE Special

Driving the Future: HVS and the Rise of Hydrogen Electric Vehicles

With hydrogen boasting the potential to decarbonise heavy and long-range vehicles, HVS is driving innovation to revolutionise the automotive industry.

Jawad Khursheed

Executive Chairman
HVS

Chris Kirby

CEO & Co-Founder
Tomorrow's Journey

Felix Page

News & Features Editor
Autocar

Episode Overview

As the world strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, the automotive industry is witnessing a surge in technological advancements. One company leading this charge is HVS, a disruptive force in the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) market. However, HVS sees itself as more than just another HEV manufacturer; it believes in harnessing the power of hydrogen to transform the way we drive. In this interview, with Jawad Khursheed the CEO & Co-Founder of HVS, as he sheds light on the company's vision and progress.

HEV, for HVS, stands for "hydrogen electric vehicles" - a subtle but profound departure from the traditional interpretation of HEVs. Jawad makes it clear that HVS's focus is squarely on hydrogen technology, a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuels. With hydrogen boasting the potential to decarbonise heavy and long-range vehicles, HVS is driving innovation to revolutionise the automotive industry.

The interview reveals HVS's unwavering commitment to decarbonisation. Jawad highlights the alarming statistic that heavy vehicles while making up only 1.5% of the total vehicles on the road, contribute up to 19% of all greenhouse gas emissions. HVS aims to be a game-changer by addressing this critical issue through its hydrogen-powered vehicles. By harnessing the potential of hydrogen, they offer a viable solution to significantly reduce emissions and curb environmental impact.

Jawad takes us through HVS's impressive journey so far. From its humble beginnings with just himself, HVS has grown into a robust company with over 150 employees. Their dedication to research and development has led to the successful delivery of two hydrogen-powered Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) demonstrators, attracting substantial private and public investments totalling over 52 million.

One of HVS's distinguishing factors is their ground-up approach to vehicle design. Instead of retrofitting existing chassis, HVS is creating vehicles optimised exclusively for hydrogen use. This bold move ensures that every part of their vehicles is tailor-made for the highest efficiency, maximising the potential of hydrogen technology.

As with any innovative endeavour, the journey to mass production is a meticulous one. Jawad cautiously navigates the timeline for their vehicles' commercial availability, under-promising but expressing confidence in their progress. The road to mainstream adoption of hydrogen technology may have its challenges, but HVS stands firm in their conviction that they are closer to the goal than meets the eye.

The interview showcases the enthusiasm surrounding HVS and their hydrogen-powered vehicles. Fleet operators and startups have shown immense interest in incorporating HVS technology into their operations, recognising the benefits of embracing a cleaner and sustainable mode of transportation.

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Episode 10: Conor Horne - The future of Lotus

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