Vauxhall has begun its first UK customer trials of its hydrogen van.
The Vauxhall Vivaro Hydrogen will take part trials with top UK fleets during the coming months ahead of the UK launch of the larger sibling Vauxhall Movano Hydrogen van.
Sales in Europe of the Opel Vivaro Hydrogen have been steady since its launch two years ago, but the medium van failed to make the transition to right-hand-drive.
Based on the existing fully electric Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, the Vivaro Hydrogen uses a 45kW fuel cell with 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery that is located under the front seats to give a 249 mile driving range.
It has 5kg hydrogen fuel tanks, located under the loadspace floor, which can be re-filled in just five minutes, making the hydrogen model a better alternative for drivers looking for greater range than an electric van.
Vauxhall owners Stellantis refer to the hydrogen Vivaro as a mid-power concept. The 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery provides peak power when required (at start-up and under heavy acceleration) but a also also acts like a range extender, ensuring the fuel cell can run at optimum operating conditions.
Its plug-in capability enables the battery to be re-charged in the event of no hydrogen being available, giving up to 31 miles of electric range.
The hydrogen models gets the same dimensions of the Vivaro van with up to 6.1 m3 of loadspace volume.
While the hydrogen does not have the same overall Vivaro van weight, it does still manage a payload of 1,000kg.
The UK trial comes ahead of the launch of Vauxhall Movano Hydrogen, with orders set to open later this year and first deliveries expected in 2025.
James Taylor, Vauxhall MD, 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.”
Although trials of the Vivaro have commenced there are no plans to the make the medium-sized van available in right-hand-drive.
The larger van has enabled the steering conversion, but the tight space under the bonnet of the Vivaro Hydrogen means that the switch to RHD isn't viable.
