First Hydrogen, the zero emissions automotive developer, held a driving event at HORIBA MIRA proving ground near Coventry to showcase its pioneering hydrogen fuel cell-powered light commercial vehicles (LCVs). The event was attended by representatives from 21 UK fleet operators and industry experts from various sectors such as grocery (Asda and Sainsbury’s), parcel delivery (DPD), NHS England, VINCI Group, Anglo American, Network Rail, and utilities providers (Wales & West Utilities, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and National Gas). Vehicle leasing and rental companies were also present, including ARVAL (BNP Paribas Group), Novuna, and Redde Northgate, as well as British motor trades residual value experts, Glass’s Guide, Brit European Transport, National Windscreens, and the Canal & River Trust. The participants had the unique opportunity of driving a hydrogen fuel cell electric 3.5-tonne van (FCEV) on the MIRA track, experiencing the vehicles’ handling, speed, quiet drive, and viewing the company’s technology.
During the event, participants asked insightful questions about hydrogen mobility, the maturity of hydrogen infrastructure, and underwent a review of Total Costs of Operation (TCO) based on First Hydrogen data collected from vehicles used during recent demo trials with UK fleets. They were quick to understand the TCO outlook, the benefits of FCEVs, and how they compare alongside other zero-emission vehicle technology. First Hydrogen’s road trials with fleet experts Rivus and energy company SSE plc demonstrated that these vehicles have a range of over 400 miles (630 km) on a single fuelling, even while carrying heavy loads or driving at higher speeds.
Steve Gill, CEO at First Hydrogen Automotive, was pleased with the turnout and level of interest from UK fleet operators and plans to engage with them further in similar events in the future, with the aim of shaping the company’s future business and ultimately becoming customers for its vehicles. Stephen Offley, Transport Manager at Wales & West Utilities, remarked on the practicality and capability of the vehicles, demonstrating how hydrogen power will be essential to meet critical range, payload, and towing capabilities required by public utilities and other users, which cannot be met by battery-electric vans. Overall, the event was an essential platform for First Hydrogen to showcase its groundbreaking technology and receive valuable feedback from key industry players who are on the road to zero emissions.
First Hydrogen, the zero emissions automotive developer, held a driving event at HORIBA MIRA proving ground near Coventry to showcase its pioneering hydrogen fuel cell-powered light commercial vehicles (LCVs). The event was attended by representatives from 21 UK fleet operators and industry experts from various sectors such as grocery (Asda and Sainsbury’s), parcel delivery (DPD), NHS England, VINCI Group, Anglo American, Network Rail, and utilities providers (Wales & West Utilities, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and National Gas). Vehicle leasing and rental companies were also present, including ARVAL (BNP Paribas Group), Novuna, and Redde Northgate, as well as British motor trades residual value experts, Glass’s Guide, Brit European Transport, National Windscreens, and the Canal & River Trust. The participants had the unique opportunity of driving a hydrogen fuel cell electric 3.5-tonne van (FCEV) on the MIRA track, experiencing the vehicles’ handling, speed, quiet drive, and viewing the company’s technology.
During the event, participants asked insightful questions about hydrogen mobility, the maturity of hydrogen infrastructure, and underwent a review of Total Costs of Operation (TCO) based on First Hydrogen data collected from vehicles used during recent demo trials with UK fleets. They were quick to understand the TCO outlook, the benefits of FCEVs, and how they compare alongside other zero-emission vehicle technology. First Hydrogen’s road trials with fleet experts Rivus and energy company SSE plc demonstrated that these vehicles have a range of over 400 miles (630 km) on a single fuelling, even while carrying heavy loads or driving at higher speeds.
Steve Gill, CEO at First Hydrogen Automotive, was pleased with the turnout and level of interest from UK fleet operators and plans to engage with them further in similar events in the future, with the aim of shaping the company’s future business and ultimately becoming customers for its vehicles. Stephen Offley, Transport Manager at Wales & West Utilities, remarked on the practicality and capability of the vehicles, demonstrating how hydrogen power will be essential to meet critical range, payload, and towing capabilities required by public utilities and other users, which cannot be met by battery-electric vans. Overall, the event was an essential platform for First Hydrogen to showcase its groundbreaking technology and receive valuable feedback from key industry players who are on the road to zero emissions.
