Electra Commercial Vehicles announced the successful completion of a three-month trial supporting major UK supermarket Sainsbury’s with its zero-emissions 19-ton refrigerated H₂-powered truck.

The Electra eCargo fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) travelled a typical daily journey of 208 miles from the supermarket’s depot in Sherburn-on-Elmet to Newcastle and back – emitting zero emissions versus an average of 314 kg/d of CO₂ emitted by a diesel truck making the same trip. Data collected from the trial also showed that the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) used approximately 65% of its H₂ capacity per trip, giving it an approximate operational daily range of 320 miles on one fill of H₂.

The Electra eCargo FCEV has been in operation with Sainsbury’s in the Tees Valley area and beyond as part of the Road to Hydrogen – a UK Government-funded project. It focuses on helping the UK solve challenges around zero-emission road freight linked to the Teesside Multi-Modal Transport H₂ hub. H₂ for the trial was supplied by Element 2, the company building the UK’s national network of H₂ refueling stations.

“I am thrilled with the truck's performance during its tour in the Tees Valley area. Seeing something that was just a vision for the future on paper over a year ago now becoming a reality is fantastic. It, again, demonstrates how Electra is the undisputed leader in net-zero road transport transition, taking the UK and Europe another step closer to reaching their critical decarbonization ambitions. We will now bring fully operational hydrogen trucks onto our roads in 2023, as well as further building on the success of our electric ranges,” said Sid Sadique, Founder and Chairman of Electra Commercial Vehicles.

“We could not have made this a success without our partner Element 2, which provided a robust hydrogen refueling infrastructure for the project. We look forward to working with Element 2 in future hydrogen undertakings. What we have achieved together gives transport operators the confidence to switch to hydrogen sooner rather than later.”

Tim Harper, Chief Executive Officer, Element 2 said, “The completion of this trial represents a major milestone in the road to decarbonizing UK road transport. Electra’s truck has demonstrated how hydrogen can provide a viable alternative to diesel for fleet owners and operators – and in particular for heavy goods haulage due to its superior range capabilities. We were thrilled to supply the hydrogen and refueling infrastructure needed for the trial and will continue to work hand-in-glove with Electra to help customers reach their carbon emission reduction targets quickly.”

Gary King, Head of Engineering & Compliance, Sainsbury’s said, “We are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our fleet and this trial has played a pivotal role in the development of our strategy. Achieving zero carbon emissions for a regular haulage route is a significant initial step and will inform future decision making.”

Sainsbury’s reported the Electra eCargo truck received positive feedback from drivers participating in the trial. “The truck was well received due to its quiet operation, ease of driving and after the first few runs, range anxiety was diminished.”

Electra is already actively building H₂ vehicles for specialist HGV operations, including winter maintenance and the airport sectors.