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Hydrogen drivetrain project promises zero-emission vans

A project aimed at propelling the UK to pole position in the race to develop a supply chain for hydrogen-enabled drivetrains for large vans and trucks has received £0.5 million UK government funding.

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.”

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