Vauxhall is working with UK company Ryze Hydrogen to develop hydrogen refuelling solutions that will help fleets to adopt hydrogen vans.

Vauxhall’s new Vivaro Hydrogen van begins fleet evaluation trials in the UK this year

Announced ahead of the start of sales for Vauxhall’s Vivaro and Movano Hydrogen vans, the partnership will work on hydrogen infrastructure solutions that will mean businesses can refuel hydrogen-powered vehicles onsite or at a located refuelling facility.

A lack of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and refuelling infrastructure has meant that hydrogen has not been a viable option for fleets before.

But this is expected to start showing signs of change in 2024 – the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has said that hydrogen’s potential as a fleet fuel will likely be on the minds of operators looking for zero emissions solutions this year.

Vauxhall’s tie-up with Ryze – which specialises in affordable hydrogen distribution infrastructure – could drive developments in the sector. Ryze is already involved in a number of projects including a low-carbon hydrogen production and dispensing facility, with accompanying hydrogen refuelling facilities in Bradford.

Mark Gilks, head of business development – mobility at Ryze, added: “Ryze is at the forefront of green hydrogen production and supply and we are incredibly excited to be working with Vauxhall and its customers on tailored solutions to their net zero ambitions.

“Every business is different and while some may want their own fuelling facility at their depot, others may be looking at a co-location solution, and that is where our experience comes in.”

The partnership forms part of Vauxhall’s wider hydrogen strategy, which will inform the development of a widespread and workable hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for companies running fleets across the UK.

The partnership announcement comes just months before Vauxhall’s Vivaro Hydrogen van starts fleet trials in the UK. Later in 2024, orders will open for the hydrogen version of the Movano, Vauxhall’s largest LCV, ahead of first customer deliveries in 2025.

Hydrogen LCVs offer a range of benefits compared to fully electric vans, including long driving ranges, quick refuel times and no compromise on payload capacity, which could counter ongoing fleet challenges with switching to electric vans.

The Movano Hydrogen will have a driving range of up to 311 miles (WLTP) and can be refuelled with hydrogen in only around five minutes.

Vauxhall will be the only manufacturer offering two zero emission solutions – battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles – enabling van fleets to choose the one that best suits their operational requirements.

James Taylor, managing director, Vauxhall, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Ryze to develop hydrogen refuelling solutions for customers across the country. Next year, our new Movano Hydrogen will be available for fleet and business customers to order, offering a new practical, long-range, zero-emissions vehicle. With the help of businesses like Ryze, drivers will be able to add hydrogen vans to their fleet trouble free and with accessible charging options at convenient locations.”