Vauxhall unveiled their newest zero-emissions van this week, releasing some specifications for the Vauxhall Vivaro-e Hydrogen.
The new model of the popular medium van uses the same basic design as the Vivaro-e, but switches out the fuel system to hydrogen. This provides an impressive 249 mile range with a refuel time of only three minutes. The cargo volume remains 6.1m3, which is the same as the diesel or battery electric versions.
The fuel system uses three 700-bar hydrogen tanks situated beneath the cab and load area, replacing the battery packs in the fully electric version of the vehicle. There are no changes to the body of the van, keeping the same load space while increasing the payload capacity to 1,100kg.
Hydrogen Powered
The Vivaro-e Hydrogen can generate enough power through the 45kW fuel cell for continuous motorway driving, leaving the 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery for situations requiring additional power, such as start up and while accelerating. The battery can be recharged through regenerative braking, and there is also the ability to plug in to an external charging station.
If necessary, the battery can power the vehicle on its own for 31 miles, helping you reach a refuel point in the event of an emergency.
“Vauxhall is already leading the way with an all-electric van range, and now we are set to add hydrogen to the line-up as an efficient energy system of the future. Vauxhall-Opel has more than 20 years of experience in developing hydrogen fuel technology which offers zero emissions-in-use, a long driving range and ultra-fast refuelling.
We are already in contact with UK fleet operators that want to go the extra mile on sustainability and we look forward to bringing Vivaro-e HYDROGEN to the UK soon.”
Roll Out
The left-hand drive version of the Vauxhall Vivaro-e Hydrogen is expected to be rolled out later this year, and Vauxhall expect to deliver right-hand drive models to the UK by 2023. Current plans are to assemble the van at the Vauxhall/Opel Research and Development Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany.
Vauxhall are already speaking to corporate fleets in the UK to gauge interest and promote the new Vivaro-e Hydrogen in anticipation of its launch.
