© Explore Transport
Explore Transport has acquired the UK’s first Scania fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) prototype. Developed under Scania’s “Pilot Partner” programme, the hydrogen-powered truck will join Explore’s fleet in early 2026. The trial, part of the Zero Emission HGV Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme (ZEHID), will test hydrogen’s use for heavy haulage.
Explore Transport, a logistics specialist with over 50 years of experience in construction, rail, aerospace, and nuclear sectors, aims to cut emissions without reducing efficiency. The company is working with HyHAUL to test hydrogen’s potential as a zero-emission transport solution.
Why Hydrogen for Heavy Duty?
Hydrogen fuel cells have advantages over battery-electric trucks, especially for heavy loads and long trips. Unlike battery-electric vehicles, which require large and heavy battery packs, hydrogen trucks keep a weight similar to diesel models. This allows for more cargo while enabling fast refuelling, which is critical for remote sites without charging stations.
Chris Gatheridge, Operations Director at Explore Transport, said: “We believe hydrogen has the potential to meet the unique demands of construction logistics, with the performance and capability to manage heavy loads.”
Hydrogen trucks can refuel in minutes, while battery-electric models take hours to charge. This reduces downtime, making them more practical for time-sensitive deliveries. However, hydrogen transport depends on available refuelling stations, which are still limited.
Infrastructure Challenges and HyHAUL’s Role
HyHAUL is working to fill the hydrogen refuelling gap by developing a supply chain along the M4 corridor. The company is setting up:
- Three hydrogen refuelling stations, each able to supply up to two tonnes of hydrogen per day
- A fleet of up to 30 hydrogen FCEV trucks by 2026, with plans to expand to 300 by 2030
Kyle Arnold, Managing Director at HyHAUL, said: “This initiative is a significant step forward in proving that hydrogen technology can meet the demanding needs of HGV transportation.”
These stations will support both 350-bar hydrogen trucks and 700-bar hydrogen passenger cars, making them a more useful infrastructure solution.
Scania’s Hydrogen Truck Development
Scania’s Pilot Partner division is developing hydrogen and battery-electric trucks to test their use for different logistics needs. Explore Transport’s prototype is based on Scania’s existing electric platform and includes:
- A 400kW electric motor
- 416kWh onboard batteries
- 56kg of hydrogen storage, with an estimated range of up to 850km
Mark Bridgland, Sales Director at Scania UK, said: “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.”
Looking Ahead
Explore Transport’s hydrogen truck will start operations in Q1 2026. The trial will provide data on performance, efficiency, and refuelling needs, helping to assess hydrogen’s long-term use for construction logistics.
As government-backed programmes like ZEHID and HyHAUL expand infrastructure, hydrogen use in heavy transport could grow. Explore Transport’s move is an important step in testing whether hydrogen can meet the efficiency, range, and reliability needed for large-scale infrastructure projects.
