Hydrogen filling station deal agreed for Riversimple trials

French hydrogen refuelling manufacturer McPhy will supply Welsh car firm Riversimple with a refuelling station for trials in later this year.

The proposed refuelling station, the McFilling 20-350, will allow users to fill up with 500km worth of hydrogen in less than five minutes.

The deal signals McPhy’s first foray into the UK market and comes after the UK Government revealed plans to ban all diesel and petrol cars in the country from 2040.

With the support of Monmouthshire County Council, Riversimple is preparing to run a 12 month trial of 20 Riversimple Rasa hydrogen fuel cell cars. Starting in November, the test is partly funded by a grant from the European Union.

McPhy’s chief executive Pascal Mauberger said:

“We are delighted that Riversimple has chosen our McFilling solution to support the project to develop the Rasa, its innovative vehicle, which is opening up the future of affordably-priced clean mobility. This contract will enable us to enter the UK hydrogen mobility market, which is starting to take off."

As part of the tests, drivers will have the chance to influence the final design of the car and the service, which will be offered on a subscription basis – similar to a mobile phone contract. Riversimple is looking for applicants of all ages to take part in the scheme.