Canadian firm Loop Energy has signed a multi-year agreement to supply UK truck manufacturer Tevva Motors with fuel cells for its vehicles.

Tevva will integrate Loop’s fuel-cell systems into its manufacturing process as it scales up production of its hydrogen-electric trucks from next year.

The firm’s 7.5t truck has a battery-powered drive system with a hydrogen range extender. A prototype was unveiled for the first time last week at the Road Transport Expo in Warwickshire, UK.

The company intends to produce 3,000 trucks per year by 2023 and expects the global electric truck market to grow from $1.15bn in 2020 to $14.19bn by 2027. It has raised $140mn in funding in the past two years to meet these expected levels of demand.

“Development of our hydrogen-electric truck platform has been extremely encouraging, and we are seeing growing demand for our product line,” says Tevva founder and CEO, Asher Bennett.

$12mn – Value of contract

“Loop continues to show it can support our production targets and provide a fuel-cell solution that will deliver lower costs and improved performance to our customers,” he adds.

Loop’s technology won a competitive tender process by Tevva in 2021, resulting in an initial order upon which today’s deal expands.

“This is among the largest fuel-cell product supply agreements in recent years. The contract with Tevva is indicative of the surge in interest we see in Europe for hydrogen-electric vehicles and the fuel cells that power them,” says Loop CEO Ben Nyland.

The supply deal runs until 2023 and is worth $12mn. Loop says a recent surge in orders means it is confident it will meet and exceed its previous purchase order guidance.

Combining technologies

Tevva’s software systems operate battery and hydrogen fuel cells at their highest efficiencies to optimise range—which is now a maximum of 310 miles. Refilling the hydrogen tanks will take 10 minutes, while charging the battery from fully depleted will take 5-6 hours.

Tevva will also offer hydrogen services to customers, helping them gain access to sustainable and affordable hydrogen supplies “safely and conveniently”.

---

Author: Tom Young