Vauxhall has begun trialling the Vivaro Hydrogen in in the UK. While the Vivaro Hydrogen is already sold in Left-hand-drive markets by Opel, this will be the first customer trials of the vehicle in the UK.
The trial involves several fleets over the coming months, and is intended to gather data ahead of the launch of the Movano Hydrogen in early 2025.
The Vivaro Hydrogen is based on the fully electric variant of the model, and is fitted with a 45kW fuel cell and a 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery located under the front seats. The fuel – 5kg hydrogen tanks – are located under the floor and, in a big advantage over electric, can be refilled in five minutes. The WLTP range of the Vivaro Hydrogen is around 249 miles, with 31 miles of pure battery range if required.
Load space is not compromised by the large hydrogen tanks. In fact, the Vivaro Hydrogen has similar load space and payload capabilities to the diesel version, providing up to 6.1m3 of load space and a payload of 1,000kg.
The UK trial comes ahead of the launch of Movano Hydrogen, with orders set to open later this year and first deliveries expected in 2025. The hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will offer a range of up to 311 miles (WLTP) and can be refuelled in under five minutes. The electric motor produces 110kW (150hp) and maximum torque of 410 Newton meters, while an 11kWh lithium-ion battery provides support when starting or accelerating. The system also enables braking energy to be recuperated and fed into the battery as electricity via the electric motor working as a generator.
James Taylor, Managing Director, 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. 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.”
