First Hydrogen unveils zero-emission LCV concept
Automotive and clean energy developer First Hydrogen has unveiled the concept for its next-generation zero-emission LCV, designed in partnership with global mobility specialist EDAG Group, which will be available with either fuel cell electric or battery electric drive trains.
First Hydrogen Corp. is a Vancouver and London UK-based company focused on zero-emission vehicles, green hydrogen production and distribution and supercritical carbon dioxide extractor systems.
It says function has been at the forefront of the design process of the Generation II LCV, while its modern, minimalist look will also ensure the vehicle has longevity and will continue to appeal to the market over extended periods of use.
With good ground clearance, a large front windshield, and a spacious, easy-to-access load space, the Generation II design enables high levels of driver comfort, efficient operation and zero emissions, the company claims. Meanwhile, the positioning of the lighting is designed to ensure the vehicle is visible to other road users.
The Generation II concepts are in development while First Hydrogen trials its Generation I vehicles, which it says provide proof of concept for the viability of hydrogen fuel in the commercial vehicle space. The Generation I fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have entered road trials with members of the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium (AHFC).
Held with major UK fleet operators including vehicle management provider Rivus, the trials enable prospective customers and influencers for alternative fuel vehicles to experience the benefits of hydrogen powertrains.
The vehicles will be tested across a range of industry sectors including parcel delivery, grocery, utilities, healthcare and roadside assistance, enabling First Hydrogen to trial the vehicles in a variety of real-world operational settings.
First Hydrogen will use data and feedback collected during the trial to optimise the performance of Generation I vehicles and inform the development of future product. This will ensure First Hydrogen’s Generation II series will support different operational duty cycles and fulfil the demand for zero emission commercial vehicles.
Steve Gill, CEO of automotive for First Hydrogen, said: “These concept vehicles provide a glimpse of our company’s future and give a clear indication of our brand direction within the LCV space. A spacious and easy to access cabin gives drivers comfort as well as good visibility of the road ahead and enables them to move in and out of the vehicle quickly, which is vital for express delivery and time-sensitive operations that require drivers to make multiple stops.
“The clean and modern design is flexible to suit use in a range of industries; it secures First Hydrogen’s position as a developer of functional vehicles that will take operators into the zero emissions future.”
EDAG Group is a major independent engineering service provider to the global mobility industry, providing engineering services in the vehicle engineering, electrics/electronics and production solutions segments.
Bernat Costa, design director at EDAG Spain, added: “The Generation II vehicles show how clean energy can be applied within everyday operations. We have also incorporated First Hydrogen’s signature style, which gives the vehicles a recognisable identity.
“They look modern and will boast high performance zero emissions technology but have a clean, minimalist design to ensure they work well in a range of commercial settings. The design accommodates a number of customisable elements, providing customers with a choice of sizes and bespoke elements to ensure the vehicle best fits their operations.”
