BMW is betting on hydrogen: what could this mean for waste management?
BMW’s recent announcement to prioritise investment in hydrogen-powered technology over traditional battery-powered EVs marks a significant shift in the industry.
It’s a clear strategic move from the German manufacturer – and on a topic that we’ve been closely monitoring. In just the last few months, we’ve written about hydrogen’s prominence at the RWM Expo and covered this study on hydrogen rollout in the South West.
An (even) greener alternative?
BMW is positioning hydrogen as a cleaner, more efficient alternative to lithium-ion battery EVs, highlighting two major advantages: faster refuelling times and a longer driving range. While this is promising news for car owners, what does it mean for larger, specialist commercial vehicles?
Well, the company’s announcement that it will launch its first hydrogen-powered production model in 2028 was swiftly followed by news of its acquisition of two zero-emission fuel cell trucks as part of the European H2Haul project
This initiative is aimed at promoting hydrogen mobility in freight transport and, notably, it includes the construction of two state-of-the-art hydrogen fuelling stations. Given the importance of infrastructure in any carbon-reduction strategy, the combination of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles and refuelling advancements is something we’re particularly interested in.
Advancing technology and infrastructure in tandem
Neil Jeremiah, Endurance’s Management Director, sees this as a key milestone. “Hydrogen’s role in decarbonising commercial vehicles is becoming increasingly clear,” he says. “I’d hope that if projects like this are successful and both the hydrogen technology and infrastructure improves, it may become a viable alternative for specialist commercial fleets like ours that need to operate, day and night, all across the UK.”
The timing of this video from JCB, which is packed with endorsements for hydrogen-powered construction vehicles from across multiple sectors, was surely not coincidental.
What this means for waste management
Reaching carbon neutrality won’t be easy for any industry, waste management included, but these developments mark a significant step forward. The practicality of hydrogen trucks in this field is not yet established, but we’re keeping a close eye on developments and will keep you updated as the landscape evolves.
If you’d like to discuss how to make your municipal fleet as green as possible – including exploring the latest hydrogen-powered options in your area – please get in touch with our Sales team on 01291 440 750 or sales@endurancevs.com
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