Tevva is developing its 7.5-ton trucks in Tilbury, Essex, after receiving European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA), which allows it to begin mass production and sales across the UK and Europe. The company has already begun shipping its first mass-produced trucks to customers such as Travis Perkins and Royal Mail. It plans to sell up to 1,000 units by 2023.
The EU and UK have obtained the necessary certifications through the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) and the Swedish Transport Agency (STA). The Tevva electric truck performed 30 system tests, including electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility, to earn entire vehicle type approval.
Tevva said, “We are on a mission to make sustainable trucks accessible at scale and believe our technology will empower the transport sector and the governments of Europe to meet their net-zero goals.” “By embracing both hydrogen and electric fuel sources, we can rethink the energy mix in transport, reduce strain on our electricity grid, and accelerate electric truck adoption.”
Tevva’s 7.5-ton electric truck can go up to 140 miles (225 kilometers) on a single charge, making it ideal for use in last-mile and urban delivery fleets. The first truck will be followed in 2023 by a 7.5-ton hydrogen-electric truck with a hydrogen range extender that increases vehicle range to up to 354 kilometers (570 km). Technical specifications for both truck variants are available online.
Tevva defines itself as a hydrogen-electric truck company, specializing in zero-emission medium- to heavy-duty trucks. Its hydrogen fuel-cell range extension technology allows its vehicles to do all the work of a traditional diesel engine, only with significantly less environmental impact.
Tevva, which is backed by investors such as the Indian firm Bharat Forge, is also planning to construct hydrogen-powered trucks that can recharge faster than battery trucks, potentially allowing them to travel long distances. These lorries would be available in 12- and 19-ton capacities, with the production of the latter set to begin at Tilbury in 2024.