Hydrogen fuel cell van demonstrators are to go on trial with major fleet operators across the UK from early 2023.  

The trial vehicles have been sourced from Volkswagen Group brand MAN and integrated with the First Hydrogen FCE1 fuel cell propulsion system

First Hydrogen, a developer of zero-emission vehicles and green hydrogen production, is collaborating with the AHFC (the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium) on fleet trials spanning multiple UK locations.  

The announcement coincides with confirmation that First Hydrogen’s two demonstrator hydrogen-powered LCVs are on schedule for testing and on-road commissioning starting later this month in the UK.   

Revealed earlier this year, the vehicles have been sourced from Volkswagen Group brand MAN and integrated with the First Hydrogen FCE1 fuel cell propulsion system.   

The vehicles are expected to be delivered in Q4 this year to the van programme run in partnership with the AHFC.   

Managed by Element Energy, the consortium includes leading hydrogen industry and mobility companies, such as Air Products, Anglo American, Hyundai, Toyota and BOC. It works together with large UK fleet operators to accelerate the commercial roll-out of fuel cell vans and trucks and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.    

So far, 10 fleet operators have expressed interest in trialling First Hydrogen’s vehicles in their real-world operations, enabling them to experience the range and operational flexibility benefits that hydrogen offers.   

The trial runs across industries including telecoms, express delivery, national utilities and national infrastructure companies and a national UK supermarket chain. It also includes a national vehicle breakdown and recovery association, an ambulance fleet and a national fleet leasing group. Trial locations cover West London, Birmingham and Sheffield, through to Tees Valley and Aberdeen.   

Steve Gill, CEO of First Hydrogen Automotive, said the proposal has received a significant response.   

“We are excited to work with Element Energy and to bring our technology directly to fleet companies, demonstrating the benefits of fuel cell-powered light commercial vehicles. It is a great opportunity for us to generate customer interest in our vehicles and gain first-hand customer and driver feedback to contribute to our bespoke vehicle development programme,” he added.  

William Darby, principal consultant, Element Energy, said it was clear the trial would spark a lot of interest from its van operator group.   

“We are looking forward to working with First Hydrogen to ensure the trial meets the needs of each operator, whilst also providing First Hydrogen with the information and support it needs to continue developing the product.” 

First Hydrogen and Element Energy will release more details on the AHFC van programme later this year.