The British Standards Institution (BSI), the UK’s national standards body, has updated its standards to accelerate the shift to zero-emission road freight – including the world’s first code of practice for refuelling sites for hydrogen-fuelled heavy-duty vehicles.
The three updated standards cover infrastructure design, operational safety and workforce upskilling, have been developed by BSI in partnership with DfT and Connected Places Catapult, a body committed to improving transport systems and making them more sustainable.
A Strategic Advisory Group comprising truck manufacturers, hauliers, charging operators, trade associations, government agencies, and highway authorities also provided guidance to develop the standards.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood, said: “Decarbonising road freight is key to reducing transport emissions, and it’s fantastic to see BSI publish new standards to speed up the transition to zero-emission road freight.”
The first updated standard covers the design and implementation of publicly accessible charging sites tailored specifically for battery electric HGVs. It provides practical recommendations for conducting risk assessments, optimising site layouts, and implementing safety measures.
The second focuses on workshops and protocols for inspection and repair of battery electric and hydrogen-fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicles and provides comprehensive guidance on the safe maintenance of battery-electric and hydrogen-fuelled HGVs.
The Society of Operational Engineers has integrated the new standard in the updated qualifications to support the next generation of skilled technicians.
Lastly, there is a new standard for the design and implementation of mobile and static hydrogen refuelling sites and it provides vital guidance for designers and operators of both mobile and static hydrogen dispensers, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency across different service levels and fuel grades.
It is the world’s first code of practice for refuelling sites for hydrogen-fuelled heavy-duty vehicles.
