Solomon partners on first-of-its-kind hydrogen-powered truck

Haslingden-based Solomon Commercials has partnered with Electra Commercial Vehicles to deliver a 19-tonne hydrogen-powered truck, the first of its kind in operation.

The Electra eCargo FCEV will be on trial with supermarket giant Sainsbury. It features four type-three cylinders providing a capacity of 20 kg of hydrogen at 350 bar.

The Proton Motors HY45 fuel cell offers 9 to 10 hours of operation, after which the vehicle can return to base for a refill of hydrogen so that it can be double shifted.

The vehicle has been developed as part of the Road to Hydrogen, a government-funded project focused on helping the UK solve challenges around zero-emission road freight, linked to the Teesside Multi-Modal Transport Hydrogen Hub.

Solomon Commercials has a long and established relationship with Sainsbury having provided its rigid refrigeration bodies. Solomon's technical team designed a flexible body to provide optimum capacity, which would help reduce the number of potential journeys.

Using Solomon's aerodynamic Slipstream system, a rear Kamm was incorporated to reduce vehicle drag, helping to improve vehicle range.

Anthony Clegg, sales director of Solomon Commercials, said: "It's an exciting project to be involved in and will shape the future of road transport, helping many commercial operations make the switch to zero-emissions easier.

"Our business has been built on innovation, and this is a natural step for us to work on UK firsts projects, which help push our industry forward. It's a fantastic example of innovation in UK manufacturing."