ICEBreaker Project: Viritech, Intelligent Energy, and Horiba Mira's Vision for a Hydrogen-Powered Truck

Companies have begun to embrace electric semis, but they've encountered significant challenges. Charging times and range limitations represent just the tip of the iceberg, especially considering that a "44-tonne battery electric truck requires five tonnes of batteries, cutting the payload by up to 20% and costing $50,014 USD per year in lost revenue."

The task ahead is not easy, but as the consortium points out, there are approximately 500,000 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) on UK roads, responsible for a substantial 19% of the country's transport emissions. This number is deemed "disproportionate," and with more HGVs entering production, emissions are expected to rise further in the future.

Enter the ICEBreaker project, a collaborative effort between Viritech, Intelligent Energy, and Horiba Mira. Their collective goal is to develop a new, commercially competitive 44-tonne proof-of-concept truck powered by hydrogen.

The consortium aims to commence testing this innovative truck at the end of 2023. According to their plans, it will feature an aerodynamic design, digital side mirrors, an elegant trailer, and aerodynamic components above the headlights.

Details about this model are still limited, but each partner in this endeavor brings unique expertise to the table. Viritech is concentrating on software and energy management, Intelligent Energy will handle the fuel cell, and Horiba Mira will utilize their engineering prowess for systems integration, vehicle optimization, validation, and certification.

The ICEBreaker project is set to kick off next month and will receive financial support from the UK's Advanced Propulsion Centre.