The new Opel Movano Hydrogen is celebrating its world premiere this week at the IAA Transportation Show in Hanover, writes Trish Whelan. The hydrogen fuel cell vehicle has a range of more than 500km (WLTP). It joins the Opel Vivaro Hydrogen extending the brand’s offer of vehicles with fuel cell propulsion.
The fuel cell uses hydrogen and air to generate electricity to drive the electric motor. The only product of this reaction is pure water vapour that comes out of the exhaust. It is, therefore, an electric vehicle that emits zero C02 while driving. Opel say it is the ideal solution for fleet customers who want to travel distances but who rely on quick refuelling times.
With the plug-in hybrid concept of the Movano Hydrogen, the entire fuel cell system is located under the bonnet and under the floor. It is fitted with four underbody 700 bar hydrogen cylinders. These can be filled with hydrogen in under 5 minutes.
The cargo volume remains fully intact and, depending on the body variant, ranges from 13 (for L3H2) to a maximum of 17 cubic metres (for L4H3). Payload is up to 1,370kg.
The Movano Hydrogen’s 45 kW fuel cell offers enough power for continuous driving on the motorway. The electric motors deliver 150hp of power and a maximum torque of 410 Nm. Up to 90 km/h is possible. When starting or accelerating, the 11kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery, located under the front seats, provides support to cover peak loads.
Braking energy can be recuperated and fed into the battery as electricity via the electric motor (generator). With the PHEV option, the battery can be charged externally if necessary to extend the overall range.
Movano Hydrogen will soon be available to order. Customers will be able to choose from three different drive alternatives for this, the largest Opel commercial vehicle. Movano is currently available with diesel and all-electric powertrains.
Meanwhile, the new Opel Combo Electric (pictured) with a new look, and the battery-electric Opel Rocks Electric quadricycle with Cargo kit for delivery services (pictured below), are also on display at the IAA Transportation Show in Hanover.
