Road trial data demonstrates strong performance of hydrogen-fuelled van

During the month-long trial, SSE predominantly drove the First Hydrogen vehicle on major roads in the Aberdeen area, Scotland. Light traffic conditions in the region enabled the vehicle to run at maximum speed limits, when safe to do so, for longer periods than it had done previously. Even when running at consistently higher speeds the vehicle maintained good fuel efficiency, consuming an average of 1.58kg H2/100m, indicating a range capability of over 630 km.

As a hybrid, First Hydrogen’s vehicle can supplement fuel consumption with battery power when driving. During most of the journeys undertaken, the van maintained its battery at maximum charge by regenerating from braking i.e., the amount of kWh the battery charged and discharged was comparable, which is testament to the efficiency of First Hydrogen’s onboard energy management system.

This data suggests that overall vehicle performance is even better than expected, as it exceeds the results set in pre-trial commissioning tests, especially when driven at constant speed as less braking and accelerating means less fuel is consumed.

Due to refurbishment of Aberdeen’s hydrogen refuelling stations during the trial period, drivers had to refuel First Hydrogen’s van at 350 bar rather than the preferred 700 bar pressure fill. Nonetheless, the vehicle continued to execute the longer routes SSE undertook, demonstrating it is compatible with existing infrastructure. The team noted that refuelling took a matter of minutes when recharging.

SSE is the first utility business to road test First Hydrogen’s vehicle. SSE has an established a net zero action plan and has recently increased investment in renewables and its electricity networks to £18 billion. In 2019, SSE committed to transitioning over 3000 fleet vehicles to electric by 2023, and already it has over 1100 full electric vehicles in its fleet.

Simon Gray, Head of Fleet Services at SSE, said: “SSE is focused on enabling, harnessing and deploying new technologies and innovations which can accelerate the journey to net zero. This trial period in Aberdeen has provided us with real-world insights into the performance of a hydrogen vehicle. The feedback from this trial will be invaluable when considering if hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles could fit into our fleets of the future.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/03082023/road-trial-data-demonstrates-strong-performance-of-hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered-van/