Wales & West Utilities (WWU) has started a one-month trial of First Hydrogen’s hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle (FCEV) to assess the shift to hydrogen and providc valuable operational data.

The trial will indicate how the hydrogen vans can decarbonise fleets while meeting everyday operational demands

The gas distribution network is the latest fleet to test the zero-emission vehicle, already shown to offer a 400-mile range in SSE trials.

The van, which is also able to carry heavy payloads, tow and provide fast refuelling, is being trialled over the winter; WWU’s busiest period for emergency gas callouts.

Typically, cold temperatures can reduce the range for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), affecting reliability for fleet operators. Depending on the weather over the next month, the trials could also generate data to indicate the FCEV’s advantage over BEVs in lower temperatures.

WWU’s drivers have already been put through training, enabling them to safely operate the vehicle and understand its technical differences. While completing First Hydrogen’s Driver Training accreditation scheme, WWU’s drivers performed manoeuvres with the vehicle and completed a callout to a customer’s residence.

Importantly, the drivers also practised refuelling the vehicle with green hydrogen, supplied by Protium Green Solutions, at Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions’ refuelling unit. Both organisations have helped to develop a hydrogen ecosystem to support First Hydrogen’s trial with WWU.

Stephen Offley, transport manager at Wales & West Utilities, said: “We are delighted to begin testing First Hydrogen’s vehicle in a front-line role and to experience the benefits of a hydrogen-powered vehicle within our fleet.

“The current light commercial electric vehicle market does not offer a full solution for the operational needs of WWU and similar businesses. Current battery electric vehicles do not provide the range, fast recharging time, payload capacity and towing ability we require. They are also unsuitable for the installation of ‘on board power’ to power pneumatic equipment and high-current electric tools on site, which is critical for the operation of our network. Lack of suitable recharging infrastructure also poses a challenge.

“We see hydrogen-powered vehicles, such as First Hydrogen’s FCEV, as the potential zero-emission solution that will meet our fleet’s future needs.”

Steve Gill, executive director automotive at First Hydrogen, commented: “Our FCEV has clear benefits for utility businesses, such as WWU, and we’re keen to generate performance data during the trial that will further demonstrate how our vehicles can help decarbonise similar fleets while meeting everyday operational demands.

“This trial also pilots a hydrogen-as-a-service model to show operators how practically we can support their transition to FCEV fleets. With the support of Protium and Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions, we are building a green hydrogen fuel ecosystem for WWU, who are based in an area without access to fixed refuelling infrastructure.”