EXPLORE TRANSPORT SECURES THE FIRST SCANIA FCEV (FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE) FOR UK OPERATIONS
Pictured left to right: Warren Wilkinson (Explore Operations Director), Tim Edwards (ZEHID Lead & Regional Sales Manager at Scania UK), Bradley Cooper (Explore Finance Director), Karima Haji (Managing Director at Scania Financial Services UK), David Cox (Explore Managing Director), Chris Gatheridge (Explore Operations Director), and Mark Penn (Transformation Director at Scania UK).
Thursday 27th February 2025. Explore Transport, logistics specialists with over 50 years of experience in construction, rail, aerospace and nuclear sectors, have secured the first Scania FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) prototype for UK operations. The acquisition marks a clear step forward towards net-zero transport solutions for tier one contractors and large-scale infrastructure projects in the UK.
Explore Transport is committed to leading the industry in reducing ‘Scope 3’ emissions, delivering environmentally friendly logistics without compromising efficiency or reliability. Under the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme (ZEHID), funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered in collaboration with Innovate UK, Explore Transport and HyHAUL are driving forward the future of sustainable zero-emission logistics. Through HyHAUL, we are leading the way in the demonstration of Hydrogen Fuel Cell capability with real-world operational data on performance, efficiency, sustainability and the long-term viability of zero emission transport in construction logistics.
Chris Gatheridge, Operations Director at Explore: “Our investment into Scania FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) marks a major milestone in our journey towards sustainable transport solutions. By adopting this cutting-edge technology from an industry leading OEM, we are not only taking measures to reduce our own carbon footprint, but we are also providing customers with a sustainable alternative that is not yet readily available in the logistics sector: cleaner, greener, zero-emission transport solutions.”
Chris continued, “We believe that Hydrogen has the potential to meet the unique demands of construction logistics, with the performance and capability to manage heavy loads. By securing the first Scania FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) prototype in the UK, we are further demonstrating our commitment to a greener future for logistics, with the unit set to be on the road and in operation in Q1 2026.”
Mark Bridgland, Sales Director at Scania UK, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Explore and helping them on their decarbonisation journey.
“It is vital that we as manufacturers work with has our customers to find solutions that work for them, as well as help them cut emissions and remain profitable. In this case, we chose to involve our Pilot Partner team, to help us and Explore find a zero emissions solution for their specific use case and needs.
“Seeing how our prototype FCEV truck performs for Explore day-to-day will be fascinating, plus it will provide us with invaluable insight and data.”
Kyle Arnold, Managing Director at HyHAUL: “HyHAUL is leading the way in hydrogen heavy transport supply chain, we are committed to demonstrating the real-world practical application of H2 FCEV in real-world conditions. Our collaboration with Explore Transport and Scania underscores our dedication to decarbonising the heaviest transport sectors. By providing expert analysis, operational support, and strategic implementation of the Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure and H2FCEV HGVs, we are ensuring that zero-emission transport solutions are both feasible and scalable. This initiative is a significant step forward in proving that hydrogen technology can meet the demanding needs of HGV transportation, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future. Having Explore as the first customer is a significant milestone for the project, HyHAUL and the UK pathway to a greener future, this is fantastic partnership that will only continue to grow.”
Scania’s Pilot Partner division based in Sweden has developed a group of fuel cell prototype tractor units to test the viability of hydrogen to support logistics operations similar to Explore’s.
This 6x2*4 tractor unit is built on Scania’s battery electric platform fitted with a 400kW electric machine and 416kWh of batteries. In addition, the truck is fitted with fuel cell motor, cooling fans and 56kg hydrogen storage tanks, which gives the vehicle an estimated range up to 850 km.
Explore Plant and Transport Solutions is a specialist supplier of transport and plant hire services in the UK with a fleet of 200 trucks, 6,000 plant hire assets and 7 depots nationwide. It employs over 300 people and generates an annual turnover in excess of £70 million.
The Transport division combines over 50 years of construction logistics and haulage expertise, and the Plant and Rail division boasts one of the largest, most diverse and modern ranges of plant equipment, small tools, formwork and falsework systems. Both in-house divisions providing bespoke end to end services tailored to customer requirements.
Scania, a part of TRATON GROUP, is a world-leading provider of transport solutions combined with an extensive product-related service offering. Scania also offers vehicle financing, insurance and rental services, allowing our customers to focus on their business.
Operating in more than 100 countries and employing more than 57,000 people worldwide, Scania is a major supplier of trucks, buses, coaches and engines for industrial and marine applications into the UK. Additionally, the company provides a wide range of complementary and ancillary services in support of its products and customers through its 84-strong network of service centres.
Sustainability is central to Scania’s operations, and driving the shift to more sustainable transport solutions is a key element of the organisation’s global strategy and philosophy today. Scania adheres to Science Based Targets set by sustainability partnership, SBTi, and became the first manufacturer in the sector to have its Science Based Targets approved.
For further information on Scania and its range of products and services, see: www.scania.co.uk
HyHAUL is establishing the UK’s first dedicated HGV hydrogen mobility network, setting a new benchmark in sustainable transport by proving the feasibility and scalability of hydrogen in heavy-duty freight operations. By leveraging hydrogen’s potential to power zero-emission vehicles, HyHAUL directly addresses the decarbonisation of the most challenging and emission-intensive duty cycles in road transport. This pioneering effort supports the UK’s broader commitment to net zero.
Further info can be found at www.hyhaul.co.uk
