Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEV) are often touted as a real alternative for electrified, zero-emission mobility but, for now at least, the market is extremely small, with the infrastructure required to refuel such vehicles limited to just a handful of locations.

There are some FCEVs available – most notably the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo – but most carmakers seem to be focusing on the potential of pure plug-in battery technology. However, there are other carmakers putting in the R&D and developing more models, and Vauxhall in the UK – now part of the Stellantis group – has revealed this, the Vivaro-e Hydrogen light commercial vehicle.

It has a 45kW fuel cell, uses a 100kW electric motor, offers up to 400km of range, and has a 10.5kW battery for additional power and which can be used for up to 50km of pure battery driving .

Vauxhall’s sister brand, Opel, will be manufacturing the van in Germany for the UK’s right-hand drive market as well as the European market. The first vehicles are expected to be available in left-hand drive markets by the end of this year with the UK receiving its right-hand drive models in 2023.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (June 2021) 

25 June 2021