by Richard Cosgrove | Thu 06 Aug 2026
Stevens Equipment Rental validates “hydrogen-on-demand”
After a rigorous nine-month evaluation via OEM telematics, Stevens Equipment Rental is now offering Ultimate Cell® technology to help customers reduce fuel spend and CO2 emissions on major earthmoving projects.
Stevens Equipment Rental (SER) has concluded an intensive field trial to quantify the potential financial and environmental savings of Ultimate Cell’s hydrogen-on-demand technology.
The results are drawn from controlled, real-world trials and reflect performance under specific operating conditions. As with all heavy equipment, fuel efficiency outcomes will vary depending on factors such as machine type, application, terrain, operator behaviour, and duty cycle. However, the trial demonstrates the consistent potential for measurable fuel and emissions improvements when deployed correctly.
The evaluation focused on two heavy-duty assets: a 35-tonne excavator and an 18-tonne loading shovel from the SER fleet. Using the OEM telematics, SER and Ultimate Cell tracked daily fuel consumption for three months to establish a baseline, followed by six months of active monitoring post-installation.
Valuable efficiency gains
During the six-month active monitoring, the excavator showed consistent fuel savings. Based on annual operating hours of 2,000, SER estimates that thousands of litres of fuel and over 10 tonnes of CO2 could be saved, offering a strong return on investment for users in addition to emissions reductions. In peak conditions, savings of over 25% were recorded.
The loading shovel trial also showed an overall reduction during the six-month period, with savings of over 10% in some cases compared with a traditional machine operating under the same conditions.
Operators noted stronger torque, smoother operation, and quieter engine behaviour across both machines.
“We are taking a pragmatic approach to decarbonisation," said Mark Need, sales manager for Scotland and the north of England at SER. “While the industry waits for large-scale electric or full-hydrogen solutions to become commercially viable for heavy earthmoving – especially in remote locations – this trial proves our customers can use Ultimate Cell® to reduce their impact today. It strengthens sustainability proposals for contractors tendering for major infrastructure projects.”
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