Explore Plant & Transport Solutions has signed a partnership deal with UK hydrogen truck manufacturer Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) which will see 30 hydrogen electric tractor units added to its fleet.
The vehicles will be supported by a service and maintenance plan, full training on the safe use of hydrogen, refuelling and driver training, and a hydrogen fuelling infrastructure.
Founded in 2015, Explore, which has its headquarters in Worksop in Nottinghamshire, supplies transport and plant hire services to the aerospace, construction, rail and nuclear sectors.
The company operates a fleet of 150 trucks, has 6,000 plant hire assets and seven depots nationwide. It employs 300 people and generates an annual turnover in excess of £70m.
Chris Gatheridge, Explore operations director (pictured right), said: ”It is our firm belief that hydrogen-electric fuel cell vehicles are set to revolutionise the long-haul and line-haul trucking industry, providing a clean alternative to traditional diesel engines.
“These new HVS units will significantly reduce Explore’s carbon footprint, and this agreement underscores our commitment to advancing green technology within our business. We are excited to be collaborating with HVS to achieve this transition.”
John McLeister, HVS chief commercial officer (left), added: ”This landmark partnership agreement is testament to our shared vision of a sustainable future.
”Our innovative, zero-emission fuel cell technology provides fleet operators with the heavier payloads, longer range and faster refuelling required of modern logistics operations seeking to decarbonise their fleets. We are looking forward to working with Chris and his team as we both aim to lead the logistics industry in sustainability.”
