Trial analysis shows the van achieved 500km (311 miles) on the 10.3kg tank of hydrogen. This makes hydrogen power a viable option for fleet operators that cover a high mileage and may not have the opportunity to re-charge a battery. The hydrogen fuel cell was used more on certain types of journeys and less in others.
This is the first of a series of operator trials that will continue for the rest of the year with other blue-chip UK-based fleets. Mileage accumulation is enabling First Hydrogen to gather performance data, including information on fuel consumption, to validate different vehicle operating parameters.
For the next month the LCV will be driven on selected routes and over varied terrain around the Birmingham and South Yorkshire areas. It will carry payloads of various sizes to measure vehicle performance on real-life duty cycles.