The other partners comprise Frost Electronics, Frost EV, CENEX (the centre of excellence for low-carbon and fuel cell engineering), British Gas and DHL, which together have been granted £6.3 million match funding via the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) at the University of Warwick.
This is part of the government's drive to position the UK as a global centre of excellence for low-carbon powertrain development and production.
By integrating fuel cell technology into battery electric vehicles, the consortium intends to deliver the capability to provide LCVs with significantly improved ranges as well as rapid refuelling.
The project aims to develop validated systems and vehicle conversion expertise ready for volume manufacture of vehicles capable of operation for extended periods with zero emissions.
Jon Beasley, director of technology and projects from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, explains that this collaborative project will minimise technical and commercial risk.
It will provide packages that can be integrated into vehicles on OEM production lines, or through a new-vehicle conversions or retrofitting at approved centres, he says.
"Our aim is to position the UK as a global centre for low carbon propulsion systems development and production," comments Beasley.
"This consortium of British companies is helping the APC to deliver its aim with this innovative project that uses hydrogen fuel cell technologies," he continues.
"It has the potential to deliver a viable zero-emission vehicle for fleet operators around the world."
Fuel cell systems can be used to increase battery electric vehicle range while maintaining zero emissions.
Light commercial vehicle systems developed during this programme should offer operational advantages through increased access to restricted emission zones combined with faster refuelling times than battery pack recharging alternatives.