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A next-generation hydrogen fuel cell system for zero-emission freight. It combines high-efficiency with a light weight offering zero compromise for payload and range.
About
At Innervated Vehicle Engineering (IVe), we are driven by innovation, precision, and purpose. As specialists in advanced fuel cell and powertrain systems engineering, we provide cutting-edge solutions that enable the safe, efficient, and sustainable road freight solutions for some of the most demanding applications. Our brand stands for technical excellence, agile problem-solving, and a deep commitment to supporting the UK's transition to a low-carbon future. With a foundation built on engineering expertise and a forward-thinking mindset, IVe is proud to be a trusted partner in delivering the infrastructure and technology needed for tomorrow’s energy systems.
Key Benefits
Hydrogen-powered vans and trucks in the 3.5-tonne to 18-tonne segment offer a compelling solution to many of the challenges faced by fleet operators today. Unlike battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), which can suffer from long charging times and heavy batteries, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) can be refueled quickly—typically within 5 to 15 minutes—and provide ranges of over 500 kilometres with little or no impact on payload capacity. This makes them ideal for applications such as urban logistics, regional distribution, waste collection, and utility services, where uptime and operational flexibility are critical.
One of the most important benefits hydrogen offers this weight class is the ability to maintain high payload capacity. Battery-electric trucks often require large, heavy battery packs to achieve comparable range, which reduces payload and therefore revenue per trip. Hydrogen fuel cell systems are lighter by comparison, allowing operators to maximize cargo or equipment weight while still meeting zero-emission requirements. For fleets that operate at or near their gross vehicle weight limits, especially in urban or hilly environments, this weight saving is a crucial competitive advantage.
Hydrogen vehicles also align closely with regulatory and environmental goals. Many cities across the UK have implemented Clean Air Zones (CAZ) or Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), and national policy is shifting rapidly toward decarbonising road transport. The UK government has committed to phasing out the sale of new non-zero-emission HGVs by 2035 (for vehicles under 26 tonnes), and by 2040 for all new HGVs. Hydrogen trucks offer a direct pathway to compliance, allowing operators to avoid future restrictions, congestion charges, and fines—while also improving their sustainability credentials.
From a strategic and financial perspective, hydrogen solutions are also supported by strong government backing. The UK government has committed up to £240 million via the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund and is actively investing in hydrogen transport infrastructure through initiatives like the Hydrogen Transport Hub in Teesside and the Zero Emission Road Freight Demonstrator (ZERFD). These programs aim to reduce upfront capital costs for hydrogen vehicles and infrastructure, making adoption more financially viable and reducing total cost of ownership for fleets.
Finally, hydrogen-powered trucks fill a crucial market gap. While light-duty vans are increasingly served by battery-electric models, and long-haul HGVs are still years away from viable zero-emission solutions, the mid-weight truck category is underserved. These vehicles perform high-frequency, medium-distance routes—too demanding for current BEVs, yet not requiring the long-range complexity of articulated lorries. Hydrogen offers the perfect balance of performance, range, and turnaround time for this segment.
Applications
Our target market consists of fleet operators and commercial vehicle users who run trucks in the 3.5-tonne to 18-tonne gross vehicle weight (GVW) range. These vehicles are widely used across urban and regional transport operations, including parcel delivery, local distribution, utilities, municipal services, construction, and food logistics. These fleets typically operate on fixed or semi-fixed return to base routes with high vehicle utilization, where operational uptime, range, and payload capacity are essential.
Vehicles in the 3.5 to 7.5-tonne category are commonly used for last-mile logistics, mobile service units, or light goods transport. Companies like Amazon, DPD, and local courier services rely on these trucks for time-sensitive deliveries. In the 7.5 to 12-tonne range, vehicles are used by both public and private sectors—examples include local councils running waste collection or road maintenance fleets, and businesses delivering heavier goods across urban centres. Trucks in the 12 to 18-tonne category are more likely to serve regional or intra-urban logistics needs, with higher payloads and more demanding duty cycles, such as construction supply, food distribution, or medium-distance freight.
Fleet operators in this market are increasingly pressured by regulatory requirements like the UK's Clean Air Zones (CAZ), Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), and the government’s commitment to phase out non-zero-emission HGVs under 26 tonnes by 2035. Many of these vehicles operate in urban areas such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester, where zero-emission compliance is already mandatory or will be soon. Additionally, companies are under rising pressure from customers and investors to reduce emissions and demonstrate sustainability leadership.