Vauxhall has initiated the first UK customer trials for its Vivaro Hydrogen van, engaging several prominent companies in the pilot scheme.
- The trials precede the anticipated UK launch of the Movano Hydrogen van, slated for orders later this year and deliveries in 2025.
- Vivaro Hydrogen, already available in left-hand drive regions, utilises a 45kW fuel cell complemented by a lithium-ion battery, offering a range of 249 miles.
- The design maintains cargo volume comparable to traditional models whilst incorporating advanced hydrogen and battery technologies.
- Vauxhall’s collaboration with Ryze Hydrogen aims to enhance refuelling infrastructure for hydrogen fleet operations.
Vauxhall has embarked on its first UK-based trials for the Vivaro Hydrogen van, enlisting a variety of companies, including major fleet operators, to participate in the pilot programme. This strategic move is set against the backdrop of a broader company vision aiming at electrifying Britain’s transport sector. The Vivaro Hydrogen trial is not only a significant milestone for Vauxhall, but it also represents a pivotal step towards sustainable transportation solutions.
In anticipation of the Movano Hydrogen’s UK debut, Vauxhall’s largest light commercial vehicle, the Vivaro Hydrogen van serves as a precursor. The Movano Hydrogen is expected to open for orders later this year, with the first deliveries planned for 2025. These trials thus provide valuable insights and feedback from fleet operators which will likely inform the Movano’s market entry strategy.
Distinguished by its engineering, the Vivaro Hydrogen is already distributed in left-hand drive markets through Vauxhall’s sister company, Opel. It is a trailblazer in the commercial hydrogen van segment, offering a balanced integration of a 45kW fuel cell and a 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery setup nestled beneath the front seats. This setup not only facilitates a generous driving range of 249 miles but also supports efficient refuelling capability, with hydrogen tanks that can be replenished in a mere five minutes. This makes the Vivaro Hydrogen an attractive option for businesses seeking efficiency coupled with lower emissions.
The vehicle ingeniously retains cargo capacity, delivering up to 6.1 cubic metres of volume and supporting a maximum payload of 1,000kg. Its powertrain offers additional dynamic support through a plug-in system, allowing for external battery charging that extends the battery’s electric range by 31 miles. Such features are critical for businesses requiring both range and efficiency without compromising operational capacity. The clever integration of these technologies ensures that utility and sustainability go hand in hand.
Furthering its push into hydrogen solutions, Vauxhall has partnered with Ryze Hydrogen to bolster hydrogen refuelling infrastructure across the UK. This collaboration is expected to significantly aid fleet operators in adopting hydrogen technology by providing accessible refuelling options. Such investments underscore Vauxhall’s commitment to leading in the green transport revolution.
Vauxhall’s Vivaro Hydrogen trials mark an essential step in advancing the commercial vehicle sector towards a sustainable future.
