Zero-emission vehicle developer First Hydrogen has announced that its two MAN eTGE demonstrator vans have successfully completed vehicle control system tests as part of the initial commissioning trials.
The fuel cell systems, including the Fcgen-LCS hydrogen fuel cell stack supplied by Ballard Power Systems, have undergone extensive calibration and testing in Graz, Austria.
Also, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service inspected the vehicles at the Basildon facility of First Hydrogen’s automotive build partner AVL.
It means the vehicles can now be tested in mixed road and driving conditions and to confirm performance ahead of First Hydrogen’s real-world operational trials with major fleet operators in early 2023.
A total of 12 fleet operators working across a range of industries including telecoms, utilities, infrastructure, delivery, grocery and healthcare have now signed up to participate.
They will be able to technically evaluate First Hydrogen’s fuel cell vehicles in terms of payload, range and ease of refuelling and compare ease of use with battery electric alternatives.
Steve Gill, CEO at First Hydrogen Automotive, said: “We are pleased that Essex Fire and Rescue Service were reassured to see the control measures put in place so have supported the application for use on the county’s roads.
“This also paves the way for future hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to be accepted for UK road testing.
“With real-world fleet trials due to start early next year, we are moving towards our goal of accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in the light commercial vehicle market.”
