Vehicles were certified for UK road use last month. Tests of the fuel cell-powered vans (FCEV) were held at the HORIBA MIRA Proving ground near Birmingham, UK, confirming safety and performance prior to handover from powertrain specialists AVL to First Hydrogen. They will now undergo final testing ahead of fleet operator trials in the new year.

The company claims the vehicles have more than five times more range capability than their battery equivalent, achieving 400-600km range on a single fuelling, with refuelling in five minutes. The fuel stack has been provided by Ballard Power Systems.

Steve Gill, CEO of Automotive for First Hydrogen, said, “These vehicles enable us to demonstrate how hydrogen fuel cells systems can serve the LCV market; delivering the range and providing the operational flexibility commercial fleets require.”

Nicholas Wrigley, Chairman of First Hydrogen, said there is growing pressure on the transport sector to achieve zero emission targets, which means operators, governments and investors are eager to see the power of hydrogen mobility in action.

He said, “Using donor vehicles has enabled us to bring our first demonstrator vans to market quickly. This approach also allows customers to see, feel and experience the operational benefits of hydrogen propulsion in a familiar set up.”

First Hydrogen also offers a Hydrogen-as-a-service (Haas) solution, supplying green hydrogen fuel and distribution.

The global light commercial vehicle market is projected to reach $786.5bn by 2030.