A hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle innovator, HVS, has been awarded £6.6m of government funding to develop a zero-emission, autonomous HGV for the UK market.
From addressing the climate emergency to the shortage of HGV drivers, is this the future?
Source link In recent years, concerns over the environment have caused industries to look towards automation and electrification. One of them is the trucking industry, which is moving towards embracing technology that is cleaner, greener and more efficient. This shift has been accelerated by government policies and legislation, as well as increased consumer demand for greener products and services.
As trucks transition from diesel to electric and automated, the future of trucking is a digital and electric one. Trucks powered by electricity will emit no carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide or sulphur dioxide, greatly reducing environmental damage. Additionally, the operation of electric vehicles is much cheaper than diesel, saving truck operators in fuel and maintenance costs.
Automation has been an important part of trucking for decades, but recent advancements mean semi-autonomous or full self-driving systems can now make decisions on their own. Autonomous trucks can follow planned routes, park autonomously and even detect and avoid obstacles, all without the need for a driver. This means that drivers will no longer be needed in the cab, enabling companies to save money on hiring drivers and reducing the chance of accidents due to human error.
The shift towards automation and electrification will mean a huge change in the trucking industry. Despite the advantages that they offer, there are still some obstacles that need to be overcome before they can become mainstream. One of these is the cost, as the upfront cost of electric and autonomous trucks is currently more expensive than their diesel counterparts. Additionally, there is still the issue of battery charging and range, as electric vehicles have limited range and need to be charged regularly.
Nevertheless, the transition towards electric and autonomous trucks is an exciting and positive development for both the environment and the trucking industry. It will create opportunities for innovation and economic growth, as well as reduce emissions and overall costs. In the future, it is almost certain that the trucking industry will be dominated by electric and automated vehicles, revolutionising the way goods are moved across the world.
