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Vauxhall Kicks Off UK Customer Trials Of Hydrogen Vans
Vauxhall has announced it has begun UK customer trials of its hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles - Vivaro HYDROGEN and Movano HYDROGEN. Auto Trader’s Tom Roberts reports.
Words by: Tom Roberts
Published on 1 October 2024 | 0 min read
Getting the hydrogen vans into the hands of UK customers for trials is a key step in Vauxhall’s plans to dominate this fuel type. With orders opening up for the bigger stablemate - Movano HYDROGEN - and customer deliveries for that vehicle expected in 2025, the addition of Vivaro HYDROGEN to the range will see Vauxhall become the only manufacturer offering both battery electric and fuel cell light commercial vehicles.
What Hydrogen-Powered Vans Is Vauxhall Trialing?
The first customer trials of Vauxhall Vivaro HYDROGEN in the UK are underway. It’s already sold in left-hand drive markets under the Opel brand, making Vivaro HYDROGEN the first commercially available production hydrogen van.
It’s been confirmed that companies will take part in the fleet evaluation process ahead of the UK launch of Movano HYDROGEN, with orders for Movano HYDROGEN opening later this year and the first customer deliveries expected in 2025. What does this mean? That Vauxhall will be the only manufacturer offering two zero emission van types - battery electric and fuel cell light commercial vehicles.
It’s been confirmed that companies will take part in the fleet evaluation process ahead of the UK launch of Movano HYDROGEN, with orders for Movano HYDROGEN opening later this year and the first customer deliveries expected in 2025. What does this mean? That Vauxhall will be the only manufacturer offering two zero emission van types - battery electric and fuel cell light commercial vehicles.
What Will Vivaro HYDROGEN Offer Drivers?
Vivaro HYDROGEN is already sold in left-hand drive markets by Vauxhall’s sister
brand, Opel, making it the first commercially available production hydrogen van. It features a 45kW fuel cell and 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery located under the front seats for a driving range of 249 miles (WLTP). The 5kg hydrogen fuel tanks located under the floor can be refilled in five minutes - comparable to diesel vans. The 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery provides power when required, such as at start-up and under acceleration. It also works to ensure that the fuel cell can run at optimum operating conditions and provide regenerative braking. The plug-in capability enables the battery to be re-charged externally, providing 31 miles of pure battery electric range. The vehicle will provide up to 6.1 cubic metres of cargo volume and a max payload of up to 1,000kg.
brand, Opel, making it the first commercially available production hydrogen van. It features a 45kW fuel cell and 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery located under the front seats for a driving range of 249 miles (WLTP). The 5kg hydrogen fuel tanks located under the floor can be refilled in five minutes - comparable to diesel vans. The 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery provides power when required, such as at start-up and under acceleration. It also works to ensure that the fuel cell can run at optimum operating conditions and provide regenerative braking. The plug-in capability enables the battery to be re-charged externally, providing 31 miles of pure battery electric range. The vehicle will provide up to 6.1 cubic metres of cargo volume and a max payload of up to 1,000kg.
What Will Movano HYDROGEN Offer Drivers?
Movano HYDROGEN will offer drivers a range of up to 311 miles (WLTP) and, like Vivaro HYDROGEN, can be refuelled in up to five minutes. The electric motor produces 110kW (150hp) and maximum torque of 410 Newton metres, while its 11kWh lithium-ion battery provides support when starting or accelerating. The system will also allow for regenerative braking.
Vauxhall points out that Movano HYDROGEN benefits from more than 20 years of experience in the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles at Vauxhall-Opel and Stellantis. The model will complement Vauxhall’s existing line-up of battery electric vans - the Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric - with the brand having offered an electric version across its entire LCV model range since 2021.
Vauxhall points out that Movano HYDROGEN benefits from more than 20 years of experience in the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles at Vauxhall-Opel and Stellantis. The model will complement Vauxhall’s existing line-up of battery electric vans - the Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric - with the brand having offered an electric version across its entire LCV model range since 2021.
What Else Is Vauxhall Doing In The Hydrogen Space?
Earlier this year, Vauxhall partnered with UK company Ryze Hydrogen to develop hydrogen charging infrastructure solutions for fleet operators. The aim is to allow businesses to run hydrogen vehicles and refuel them either on-site or at a located refuelling facility.
James Taylor, Managing Director at Vauxhall, says: “With the help of businesses like Ryze, drivers will be able to add hydrogen vans to their fleet trouble free and with accessible charging options at convenient locations.” Mark Gilks, Head of Business Development for Mobility at Ryze, adds: “Vauxhall is making hydrogen a key component of its net zero strategy. Ryze is at the forefront of green hydrogen production and supply and we are incredibly excited to be working with Vauxhall and its customers on tailored solutions to their net zero ambitions. Every business is different, and while some may want their own fuelling facility at their depot, others may be looking at a co-location solution, and that is where our experience comes in.” More on this story as it develops.
James Taylor, Managing Director at Vauxhall, says: “With the help of businesses like Ryze, drivers will be able to add hydrogen vans to their fleet trouble free and with accessible charging options at convenient locations.” Mark Gilks, Head of Business Development for Mobility at Ryze, adds: “Vauxhall is making hydrogen a key component of its net zero strategy. Ryze is at the forefront of green hydrogen production and supply and we are incredibly excited to be working with Vauxhall and its customers on tailored solutions to their net zero ambitions. Every business is different, and while some may want their own fuelling facility at their depot, others may be looking at a co-location solution, and that is where our experience comes in.” More on this story as it develops.
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