Arval is to run a series of roadshows that will raise awareness of hydrogen cars, including to fleets.

Paul Marchment of Arval

The leasing and fleet management specialist has indepth experience in hydrogen fuel cell technology through its involvement in the Swindon Hydrogen Hub project, which researches the viability of fuel cell technology for a range of domestic, commercial and transport applications in real-world conditions.

The firm has now announced a series of roadshows that will take place across the UK throughout 2019 to raise awareness of hydrogen cars and share the knowledge gleaned through the Swindon Hydrogen Hub.

Taking place over the whole of 2019, ‘The Arval Hydrogen Roadshow – Driving Innovation, Investment and A Cleaner Future’ will visit five locations, starting with Swindon on April 12, before moving on to Oxford on May 17, Leeds on June 28, Birmingham on October 16 and London later in the year.

Paul Marchment, senior business manager at Arval, who oversees the company’s hydrogen activities, said: “Thanks to the work we’ve done with the Hydrogen Hub, we have considerable expertise in running hydrogen cars. It is our aim and passion to share this knowledge through these roadshows.

“At each location, we want to reach audiences that together can help drive positive change – for example, businesses, the public, local politicians.  We want to show them hydrogen vehicles from manufacturers such as Toyota and Hyundai, and explain how the technology works.  Once you know more about the technology, you are more likely to adopt and champion it.

“Right now, the Hydrogen Hub runs seven hydrogen cars with a range of fleet customers.  So while in its infancy – and notwithstanding that vehicle production needs to increase to cut purchase price, and that the refuelling infrastructure needs to improve – we believe that with the right backing from the public, businesses, government and manufacturers, the demand for hydrogen will increase and that will help drive a more sustainable future for all.”

The roadshows each run for one day, divided into a morning and afternoon session.  In the morning, around 150 invited delegates will hear from hydrogen experts, fleet operators using the vehicles, and car manufacturers including Hyundai, Toyota and Riversimple.  The afternoon is open to all, with the cars being the star of the show.

Arval’s parent company, BNP Paribas UK, is funding the roadshows across as part of its dual commitment to serve the UK economy and invest in UK society, particularly through championing projects that help lead to a more sustainable future.

Registration for the first roadshow, which is taking place at National Trust property Heelis, can be found here.