Vauxhall has started customer trials in the UK of its Vivaro Hydrogen van, involving some of the country’s largest fleets over the next few months.
Based on the existing fully electric Vivaro Electric, the Vivaro Hydrogen features a 45kW fuel cell and 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery located under the front seats for a driving range of 249 miles (WLTP).
Its 5kg hydrogen fuel tanks located under the floor can be re-filled in five minutes – about the same time needed to fill up a conventional diesel or petrol vehicle.
In addition, 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.
Also, the plug-in capability enables the battery to be re-charged externally if necessary, providing 31 miles of pure battery electric range.
The Vivaro Hydrogen is already marketed in left-hand drive (LHD) markets by Vauxhall’s sister brand, Opel, making it the first commercially available production hydrogen van.
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.
The UK trial of the Vivaro Hydrogen comes ahead of the launch of Vauxhall’s Movano Hydrogen, with orders set to open later this year and first deliveries expected in 2025.
James Taylor, Managing Director at Vauxhall, said: “As the UK’s best-selling electric van manufacturer for the past three years, we are already leading the way in electrifying Britain’s businesses.”
