Opel and sister brand Vauxhall have embraced the fuel cell technology for their new Vivaro-e. The light commercial vehicle (LCV) will be available in left-hand drive markets in mainland Europe at the end of the year, before launching in right-hand drive markets such as the U.K. in early 2023.
Available in standard (4.95 m)
and long (5.30 m) wheelbase versions, it offers the same cargo
volume as the diesel and battery electric models of up to 215.4 cu-ft and a 1,100 kg payload. The 700-bar hydrogen tanks,
which have replaced the battery of the EV model, can be filled in three
minutes, for a total driving range of 400 km.
The 45 kW fuel cell is said to generate
“enough power for continuous motorway driving”, and it is assisted by a 10.5
kWh lithium-ion battery positioned under the front seats. This increases the
peak power at start-up and under acceleration, and enables regenerative
braking. Furthermore, the battery can be recharged at public or private
stations, and once it is all juiced up, it will enable an all-electric range of
50 km.
