The AA is to offer a hydrogen refuelling service for stranded motorists to help play its part in encouraging fleets to make the switch to hydrogen-fuelled cars.

The new AA Fuel Assist service will help provide peace of mind to hydrogen drivers

The breakdown and recovery specialist is to include a mini hydrogen dispenser in one of its Fuel Assist vehicles, which support motorists who have misfuelled vehicles. Said to be one of the world’s first Fuel Assist services for alternative fuels, the solution will use a unit supplied by Fuel Cell Systems.

The new service was revealed at the AA’s stand at a recent FTA Future Logistics Expo in Warwickshire, as the organisation highlighted that fleets are ready to turn to alternatively fuelled vehicles but need support on making the switch. This includes through an improved recharging and refuelling infrastructure as well as increased incentives.

Richard Foster, commercial assistance manager at the AA, said that inadequate infrastructure outside of urbanised areas was holding back widespread adoption of electric vehicles among fleets and that many fleets are looking at other options such as hydrogen-powered vehicles too.

“Those early to adopt electric vehicles say that they are largely satisfied with their performance, according to The Operational Fleet Insight Report 2018,” Foster added. “Nevertheless, cost and operational functionality remain key concerns. For example, a quarter of fleet managers said that the time it takes to charge, as well as a lack of nationwide charging points, are the main reasons why they have not ‘electrified’ their fleets.

To download a copy of the Operational Fleet Insight Report, click here.