Hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle reaches record mileage

^{Photo credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay}

First Hydrogen has reached record distances during hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle (FCEV) trials with gas distribution network Wales and West Utilities (WWU). 

The van completed more than 1,200 miles over the four-week trial, travelling up to 117 miles (189 km) per day on mostly urban roads and highways in some of South Wales’ coldest conditions.

It had already demonstrated its ability to offer a 400-mile range in previous SSE trials. This time round, the vehicle displayed the full power capability of the fuel cell module, with outputs higher than 60kW in transient accelerations, showing capability for demanding duties, such as carrying heavier payloads, towing and powering auxiliary equipment.

The trial had already shown there was no decrease in vehicle performance or range when operating in colder temperatures. 

Stephen Offley, transport manager for WWU, said the company was "impressed with how the van operates and its overall performance," especially considering it is a prototype vehicle. 

He said: "Testing the vehicle with our FCOs meant we could demonstrate its use in a front-line service role and provide credible findings for us to share with our stakeholders and other fleet managers. 

"The data generated from the trials also gives us a case to push for fixed hydrogen infrastructure in the area so we can benefit from faster refuelling and operational simplicity.”

The FCEV was piloted by two drivers from WWU’s Network Emergency & Metering Services team, which is responsible for emergency metering work for more than 7.5 million customers across Wales and the south west of England.