Vauxhall has started a trial programme for the hydrogen fuel cell version of its big selling Vivaro van, with some of the UK’s largest fleets among the companies taking part.
The trial programme has been revealed just days after fleet specialist FleetCheck suggested the UK Government’s recently confirmed decision to allow hybrid-engined vehicles to stay on sale until 2035 could open a window of opportunity for hydrogen van technology to find wider adoption (story here).
The trial will take place over the coming months ahead of the UK launch of the Movano Hydrogen, Vauxhall’s largest light commercial vehicle. Vauxhall describes the Vivaro Hydrogen as the first commercially available production hydrogen van, as it is already sold in left-hand drive markets by Vauxhall’s sister brand, Opel.
Based on the existing fully electric Vivaro Electric, the Vivaro Hydrogen employs a 45kW fuel cell and 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery located under the front seats and a 5kg hydrogen fuel tank under the floor, the vehicle offering the same 6.1 cubic metre cargo volume and 1000kg payload as combustion-engined Vivaros.
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The driving range is WLTP-rated at 249 miles and the hydrogen fuel tanks can be re-filled in just five minutes – about the same time needed to fill up a conventional diesel or petrol vehicle.
Vauxhall adds that the 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery provides dynamic peak power when required, such as at start-up and under acceleration. It also ensures the fuel cell can run at optimum operating conditions and allows for regenerative braking. The battery can be recharged externally if necessary, providing 31 miles of pure battery electric range.
Orders will open later this year for the Movano Hydrogen, with first deliveries expected in 2025. The vehicle will offer a WLTP range of up to 311 miles, the electric motor rated at 150hp and torque of 410Nm, with an 11kWh lithium-ion battery to provide support when starting or accelerating. The system also enables braking energy to be recuperated and fed into the battery as electricity via the electric motor working as a generator.
Earlier this year, Vauxhall partnered with UK company Ryze Hydrogen to develop hydrogen charging infrastructure solutions for fleet operators, allowing businesses to run hydrogen vehicles and refuel them either on-site or at a located refuelling facility.
Vauxhall managing director James Taylor believes the Movano Hydrogen will provide fleets with another sustainable option alongside the brand’s full line-up of battery electric vans. “I look forward to hearing feedback from fleet operators taking part in the trial ahead of the commercial launch of Movano Hydrogen later this year,” he said.