Vauxhall has begun customer trials for its Vivaro Hydrogen van as it readies the market for hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles in the UK. The trial involves several companies, including some of the country’s largest fleets, as Vauxhall prepares for the launch of its largest hydrogen-powered van, the Movano Hydrogen, expected in 2025.
The Vivaro Hydrogen is already available in left-hand drive markets, badges as an Opel, and is the first commercially available hydrogen-powered production van. Based on the fully electric Vivaro Electric, it’s equipped with a 45kW fuel cell and a 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery located under the front seats, which provides a range of up to 249 miles. It also ensures the fuel cell can run at optimum operating conditions. The hydrogen fuel tanks, which can store up to 5kg of hydrogen, allow for refuelling in just five minutes — comparable to filling up a traditional diesel van. The vehicle also features a 31-mile electric-only range via its plug-in charging capability.
With the hydrogen tanks mounted underneath the van’s floor, cargo space in the Vivaro Hydrogen is unchanged from the diesel-engined versions, offering up to 6.1m3 and a payload of 1,000kg.
The UK trial comes ahead of the upcoming launch of the Movano Hydrogen. This larger van will feature a range of 311 miles and refuelling times of under five minutes. Its 110kW (150hp) electric motor produces an impressive 410Nm of torque, with its 11kWh battery providing power for pulling away and acceleration. Regenerative braking also further improves efficiency.
“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,” commented James Taylor, managing director at Vauxhall. “With a 311-mile range, zero-emissions-in-use and quick refuelling, the Movano Hydrogen will provide fleets with another sustainable option alongside our 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.”
Vauxhall has partnered with UK-based Ryze Hydrogen to develop hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for fleet operators, supporting the wider adoption of hydrogen vehicles.
