Opel starts production of the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN fuel cell van
With full tanks of hydrogen, the driving range is more than 400 kilometres, according to the WLTP standard. The 45 kW fuel cell is capable of generating enough power for continuous highway driving. Opel states that it takes only three minutes to refuel with hydrogen, about the same time needed to fill up a conventional diesel or petrol vehicle.
Opel started production of the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN fuel cell van at Opel Special Vehicles plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN, based on the battery electric Opel Vivaro-e layout, now complements the Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e battery-electric vans that are already available to order. Talking about orders, the very first fuel cell vans manufactured by Opel will be sold to German premium domestic appliances produced Miele, which will use the vehicle in the Rhine-Main region.
Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN with increased range
With full tanks of hydrogen, the driving range is more than 400 kilometres, according to the WLTP standard. The 45 kW fuel cell is capable of generating enough power for continuous highway driving. Opel states that it takes only three minutes to refuel with hydrogen, about the same time needed to fill up a conventional diesel or petrol vehicle.
The 10.5 kWh lithium-ion battery provides dynamic peak power when required, for example, at start-up and under acceleration. Since the battery covers power needs in such situations, the fuel cell can run at optimum operating conditions. Furthermore, the battery also enables regenerative braking, while the plug-in capability offers the opportunity to recharge the battery externally if necessary, e.g. at a charging station, providing 50 km of pure battery electric range. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN features a three-phase on-board charger
(11 kW) and a mode 2 charging cable as standard.
The same cargo space compared to the ICE version
The fuel cell version of the Opel Vivaro-e demands no compromises on space compared to the combustion engine versions, offering up to 5.3 or 6.1 cubic metres of cargo volume, with up to 1,000 kg of payload. Also, like its battery-electric sibling and those with internal combustion engines, the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN offers a broad range of driver assistance systems that enhance safety.
«With the new Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN we are opening the next chapter in our sustainable mobility offensive. The clever concept combines the advantages of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion with the versatility and capabilities of our best-selling light commercial vehicle», said Opel CEO Hochgeschurtz.
«The new Vivaro-e HYDROGEN perfectly meets the requirements of fleet customers. The hydrogen van is the ideal solution for driving long distances with zero emissions as well as for transporting larger loads without losing time while charging the batteries. The Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN leads zero-emissions mobility into the future, especially for commercial use», added Head of Development Marcus Lott.
