Representatives from 21 UK fleet operators and industry specialists have put First Hydrogen’s fuel cell-powered light commercial vehicles to the test at an inaugural track day.

First Hydrogen event at Mira

Held at the Horiba Mira proving ground near Coventry, the event was attended by fleet managers from the grocery sector with participants from Asda and Sainsbury’s, parcel delivery company DPD, NHS England, Vinci Group, mining organisation Anglo American, and Network Rail.

Several utilities providers including Wales & West Utilities, Northern Gas Networks, SGN & National Gas were also present.

The track day also drew interest from vehicle leasing and rental companies, with Arval, Novuna and Redde Northgate attending, along with the residual value experts at Glass’s Guide.

Also joining the event were representatives from Brit European Transport, National Windscreens, and  the Canal & River Trust.

The event gave operators a unique opportunity to get behind the wheel of a hydrogen fuel cell electric (FCEV) 3.5-tonne van. Some 29 drivers each took the opportunity to drive on the Mira track, simulating different duty-cycles and reaching speeds of up to 70mph.

Drivers were also given a vehicle walkaround and under-the-hood viewing of First Hydrogen’s technology.

Business partner Ballard Power Systems was present alongside First Hydrogen engineers to help attendees understand how the vehicles’ fuel cells work. Questions asked by participants included the viability of hydrogen mobility and the maturity of hydrogen infrastructure.

Attendees were also presented with a review of total costs of operation (TCO) based on First Hydrogen data collected from vehicles used during recent demo trials with UK fleets. Participants were quick to understand the TCO outlook, the benefits of FCEVs and how they compare alongside other zero emission vehicle technology.

First Hydrogen’s road trials with fleet specialist Rivus and energy company SSE Plc have demonstrated the range the vehicles have, with a peak range of more than 400 miles (630km) on a single fuelling achieved during journeys from Aberdeen. The real-world operational trials also showed the minimal effect carrying heavy loads or driving at higher speeds had on vehicle range – crucial attributes for this vehicle class.

Stephen Offley, transport manager at Wales & West Utilities, said: “It was fantastic to see a hydrogen vehicle of this weight class in action. We already know that hydrogen power will be essential to meet the critical range, payload and towing capabilities required by public utilities and other users, which cannot be met by battery-electric vans. This experience shows that adoption could soon become a reality and will help operators to transition their whole fleets to zero-emission technology.”

Steve Gill, CEO at First Hydrogen Automotive, said: “We’re delighted with the high level of interest we have received from UK fleet operators about our FCEVs and this enthusiasm was clearly present at our first driving experience day. By engaging fleets in similar events, we are demonstrating our FCEV’s capabilities to an audience who are on the road to zero emissions and can see a role for First Hydrogen technology in achieving their targets. Their feedback will help us achieve buy-in from fleets, some of whom are likely to become our Development Partners, helping us shape our future business and ultimately becoming customers for our vehicles.”