The next generation of zero emission vans was designed in collaboration with EDAG Group following its appointment as design styling partner last year.

First Hydrogen briefed EDAG to assist in the development of designs for large panel vans that can be scaled to different vehicle heights and lengths, resulting in modular vehicles that allow for customisation to suit operational use and can be employed for a range of applications.

Read more: First Hydrogen selects EDAG as partner for hydrogen FCEVs

The initial images show the Generation II front and rear detail, including a front view features a smart digital panel, which shows the configuration of daytime running lights (DRL), and the rear elevation revealing vertical tail lights either side of the main cargo access point.

Bernat Costa, Design Director at EDAG Spain, said, “The pure design of the light panels complements the vehicles functional purpose, establishing a First Hydrogen design signature and illuminating the van to improve visibility for other road users.

“This is especially important for delivery and roadside assistance vehicles, which need to make regular stops. The clean aesthetic also reflects the vehicles’ zero emissions status.”

Steve Gill, CEO of Automotive for First Hydrogen, said, “Following the success of our Generation I demonstrator vans that prove our concept and technology capabilities, with this next series of vehicles, our goal is to provide the commercial van market with a complete solution for operational flexibility.”

First Hydrogen announced its Generation I FCEV were certified for UK road use last year and are now undergoing mileage accumulation and testing before commencing operational trials.

The company claims the first-generation vans have more than five times more range capability than a battery equivalent, achieving over 400-600km range on a single fuelling, with a refuelling time of five minutes. It includes a fuel stack being provided by Ballard.

Read more: First Hydrogen unveils first green hydrogen vans

The vans will be placed with fleet operators from the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium (AHFC) from March, enabling operators to experience hydrogen transport solutions first hand and help First Hydrogen engage with potential future customers and provide data to inform future vehicle development and production.

The global light commercial vehicle market size, valued at $480.52bn in 2021, is projected to reach $751.86bn by 2030.