Vancouver- and London-based company First Hydrogen has released a series of sketches of its Generation II concept vehicle, which it says will be available with either fuel cell electric or battery electric drive trains. The sketches form part of the design process that the company, which specialises in zero-emission vehicles and green hydrogen production and distribution, is undertaking with global mobility experts EDAG Group.
The images reveal the vehicle’s overall form and give an indication of some of the van’s technical assets. As well as the vertical taillights and branded daytime running lights revealed earlier this year, the new illustrations depict the vehicle’s aerodynamic fuselage, muscular and dynamic fenders and a large front grill, which the company said will provide the necessary ventilation for the vehicle’s front-located fuel cell.
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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. The Generation II concepts are being developed while the company trials its Generation I fuel cell electric vehicles.
Launched last year, the Generation I vehicles are currently undergoing mileage accumulation and evaluation before entering trials with major fleet operators in the UK. The road trials for Generation I are managed in conjunction with the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium, whose members cover a variety of sectors, including grocery, roadside assistance, utilities, construction and express delivery. Trial participants will use First Hydrogen’s demonstrator vehicles alongside their existing fleets to evaluate the benefits of different vehicle technologies. Data and feedback gained during these trials will influence the design and engineering of the company’s future vehicles.
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‘We are delighted to present a first look at the new concept vehicle and are proud of its clean, functional and modern design,’ said Steve Gill, CEO of Automotive for First Hydrogen. ‘The aerodynamic design and overall proportions have been shaped to consider operations on highways and in urban environments. We have taken a particular focus on the lighting, ensuring high visibility for drivers and other road users. This is especially important for use by delivery, utilities and roadside assistance companies, but also make the vehicles instantly recognisable as First Hydrogen.’
‘We have taken great care to reflect the modern and clean-energy values First Hydrogen represents in the vehicle design,’ said Bernat Costa, design director at EDAG Spain. ‘The pure and minimalist design meets functional needs and accommodates the technical requirements of hydrogen propulsion. We have also created a design suited to modular builds, providing operational flexibility through a range of sizes and potential bespoke elements.’