Opel has unveiled the Vivaro-e Hydrogen, a new, electrically powered light commercial vehicle that delivers zero emission mobility for customers who need to refuel within minutes, writes Trish Whelan.
With the fuel cell system located in the engine bay and hydrogen tanks replacing the battery, the plug-in fuel cell electric vehicle boasts up to 6.1 cubic metres of cargo capacity, the same as the diesel or battery electric versions of the Vivaro.
With a range of 400kms (WLTP), Opel will offer the Vivaro-e Hydrogen in lengths of 4.95 and 5.30 metres. Cargo space is 5.3 to 6.1m3 and the payload increases to 1,100kg.
Opel have more than 20 years of experience in hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology and say there is hardly another propulsion system in the world that offers the combination of zero emissions, long driving range and only three minutes refuelling time.
The new fuel cell electric vehicle is based on the existing battery electric Opel Vivaro-e, voted International Van of the Year 2021. The system integrates the whole fuel cell system with the existing traction motor under the bonnet of the production vehicle.
The battery of the Vivaro-e is replaced by three 700 bar hydrogen tanks and the carbon-fibre cylinders can be filled in just three minutes.
Opel say this Hydrogen vehicle with its 45kW fuel cell is capable of generating enough power for continuous highway driving while the 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery located under the front seats provides dynamic peak power when needed at start-up and under acceleration. The battery also enables regenerative braking while the plug-in capability offers the opportunity to recharge the battery externally if necessary, at a charging station, providing 50km of pure battery electric range.
The Vivaro-e Hydrogen will be produced by Opel Special Vehicles in Russelsheim. The German brand plans to start delivering the first vehicles to fleet customers in the autumn.
The next new model, the new Movano-e, will also arrive in 2021, meaning that the brand’s entire light commercial vehicle portfolio will be electric by the end of this year. Opel will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.
The new fuel cell electric vehicle is based on the existing battery electric Opel Vivaro-e, voted International Van of the Year 2021. The system integrates the whole fuel cell system with the existing traction motor under the bonnet of the production vehicle.
The battery of the Vivaro-e is replaced by three 700 bar hydrogen tanks and the carbon-fibre cylinders can be filled in just three minutes.
Opel say this Hydrogen vehicle with its 45kW fuel cell is capable of generating enough power for continuous highway driving while the 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery located under the front seats provides dynamic peak power when needed at start-up and under acceleration. The battery also enables regenerative braking while the plug-in capability offers the opportunity to recharge the battery externally if necessary, at a charging station, providing 50km of pure battery electric range.
The Vivaro-e Hydrogen will be produced by Opel Special Vehicles in Russelsheim. The German brand plans to start delivering the first vehicles to fleet customers in the autumn.
The next new model, the new Movano-e, will also arrive in 2021, meaning that the brand’s entire light commercial vehicle portfolio will be electric by the end of this year. Opel will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.
