Part of the two-year Low Emission Freight and Logistics Trial announced last week, the project has been designed to enable the development of a zero-emission drivetrain, which will be incorporated into a 3.5-tonve van.
The 1,000kg payload vehicle will be designed to deliver a 200-mile range, in urban conditions, according to hydrogen fuel system integrator, Arcola Energy, which is to design the hydrogen-electric hybrid drivetrain.
Project partner Haydale Composite Solutions is to develop a 700bar hydrogen tank aimed at emerging refuelling standards.
Meanwhile, Commercial Group, which operates the largest commercial hydrogen-enabled vehicle fleet in the UK, will trial the new vehicle, which is being claimed as the first fully zero-emission vehicle, as part of its own hydrogen-powered fleet.
“This project will help cut vehicle emissions, improving air quality and reducing pollution in towns and cities, said Transport Minister John Hayes at the launch:
“This is yet another important step towards this government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions from transport to help tackle climate change.”