Hydrogen campervan concept introduced
It goes without saying that the move away from conventional combustion-powered vehicles in the motorhome world is a slow process
Weights and sizes of batteries needed to give a realistic and useful range are significant, while driving licence restrictions mean that 3,500kg gross weight figures start to impact both younger and older motorhomers.
However, there has been talk of hydrogen power – several of the larger car companies have been trialling and plan to introduce vans with this technology.
Now, First Hydrogen, which is a London and Vancouver-based developer working on zero emissions technology for cars and vans, has unveiled a campervan concept to highlight the applications of fuel cells to drive larger vehicles.
So what’s the tech? Essentially, hydrogen power involves a fuel cell, which powers the drivetrains and is recharged using hydrogen fuel, stored in a tank, much the same as in a diesel base vehicle – the biggest plus in comparison to the current battery-based electric vehicles (BEV) is that refuelling takes a matter of minutes. This is very similar technology to ethanol fuel cells seen in motorhomes – think Efoy – but on a much bigger scale.
Why is it good for campervans? Well, the range is currently much greater with a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) and you are not reliant on the charging network or campsite electrics to put juice back into your engine.
Also, as fuel cell technology has already been integrated into many motorhomes as a battery recharging method, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility to integrate into a motorhome.
What is the concept? We’ve had very basic info from First Hydrogen, but this concept is based on the company’s Generation II light commercial vehicle. The company claims the concept has been designed to have “spacious living quarters, a large front windscreen and good ground clearance".
Steve Gill, CEO of Automotive for First Hydrogen, says,
The First Hydrogen campervan is an example of how we see hydrogen fuel cell and other electric vehicle technologies having wider applications. We are successfully demonstrating the potential that fuel cell technology has in the LCV class but are exploring how the technology can benefit other sectors, including leisure vehicles.
First Hydrogen is currently starting a 12-18-month road trial of its Generation I fuel cell van, so you never know, hydrogen-powered motorhomes and campervans could be coming to a dealer near you...
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