Automotive and clean energy developer, First Hydrogen, unveils the concept for its revolutionary next generation zero emission vehicle. The light commercial vehicle (LCV) has been designed in partnership with global mobility experts EDAG Group and will be available with either fuel cell electric or battery electric drive trains.
Presenting the Generation II LCV in an operational environment, these images showcase how function has been at the forefront of the design process. The 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. Expertly positioned lighting also makes the vehicle visible to other road users, an essential safety attribute in built up areas and urban landscapes, or for delivery and service vehicles that need to stop at the roadside.
The Generation II concepts are in development while First Hydrogen trials its Generation I vehicles, which 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 fulfill the demand for zero emission commercial vehicles.
The global light commercial vehicle market is projected to reach USD 786.50 billion by 2030, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.3% during the forecast period (2022-2030)1. First Hydrogen is targeting the commercial van market and light commercial vehicle sector to support fleet operators to move away from fossil fuels and invest in zero emission transport. As target dates for zero emission approach, growth for zero emissions vehicles is predicted to accelerate. Government and industry incentives will further boost market progress and it is expected to develop more as zero emissions technology improves and is rolled out at scale
Steve Gill, CEO of Automotive for First Hydrogen, says:
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.
Bernat Costa, Design Director at EDAG Spain, comments:
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.
