A total of 21 operators from Europe and the UK have tested First Hydrogen’s fuel cell-powered vans at an inaugural track day held at the Horiba Mira proving ground.
Attendees included fleet managers from Asda, Sainsbury’s, DPD, NHS England, Vinci Group, Anglo American, Network Rail, Wales & West Utilities, Northern Gas Networks, SGN, National Gas, Arval, Novuna, and Redde Northgate.
In total, 29 drivers took the opportunity to drive the company’s hydrogen-fuel-cell powered vehicle (FCEV) on the Mira track, simulating different duty cycles and reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.
Partner, Ballard Power Systems, was present alongside First Hydrogen engineers to help attendees understand how the vehicles’ fuel cells work.
Participating fleets at the event operate more than half-million vehicles.
Road trials with Rivus and SSE have demonstrated a peak range of more than 390 miles for the vehicles on a single fuelling achieved during journeys from Aberdeen.
Steve Gill, Executive Director Automotive at First Hydrogen, said, “We’re delighted with the high level of interest we have received from UK fleet operators about our FCEVs and this enthusiasm was clearly present at our first driving experience day.
“By engaging fleets in similar events, we are demonstrating our FCEV’s capabilities to an audience who are on the road to zero emissions and can see a role for First Hydrogen technology in achieving their targets.”
Stephen Offley, Transport Manager at Wales & West Utilities, said, “We already know that hydrogen power will be essential to meet the critical range, payload and towing capabilities required by public utilities and other users, which cannot be met by battery-electric vans.
“This experience shows that adoption could soon become a reality and will help operators to transition their whole fleets to zero emission technology.”
